On 24^th of March the world, celebrate the TB day. This date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes Tuberculosis (TB), which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considered TB in addition to HIIV/AIDS the main causes of death due to communicable diseases. Globally, an estimated of 10.4 million people fell ill with TB in 2016 from which 1.8 million has died.

As per WHO, Oman has been classified as low incidence country with an incidence of less than 10 / 100,000 population (5.8/100,000 in 2017) with an average reduction rate of 2 % in the last 10 years.

In order to reducing both the incidence and mortality, Oman has developed a strategy for TB elimination by 2050, which is planned to be implemented in phases.

As part of this strategy, the Sultanate is providing the rapid molecular testing for those who are suspected and providing the treatment for the active and latent TB cases free of charge for all Nationals and residents.

The theme: "Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world" for  the 2018 World TB Day focuses on building commitment to end TB, at all levels governmental and community.

Therefore, the World TB Day provides the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the disease, its prevention and treatment and to advocate for the collaboration to accelerate progress to end TB.