World TB Day raises awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the disease. 24 March marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch detected the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus. One-third of the world's population is currently infected with TB. African Region, accounting for about 12% of the world population, recorded 23% of notified TB cases worldwide in 2010. TB continues to overburden many families in the African region despite the existence of medicines and other control measures to contain the disease in Africa.
Towards attainment of MDG goals and the regional targets, the African Region is launching TB training courses aimed at strengthening the Human resource base to fight TB in Africa.
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