Tuberculosis often seems like a disease “from the past,” but in reality, it remains a threat today that can affect anyone. That is why March in Ukraine is traditionally dedicated to the fight against tuberculosis, and on March 24, the world observes World Tuberculosis Day. This date marks March 24, 1882, when Robert Koch announced the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium, and since 1982, this day has been observed worldwide every year.
The most important thing to remember: tuberculosis is not a death sentence. The WHO emphasizes that this disease is preventable and curable, but it remains one of the leading infectious causes of death worldwide. In Ukraine in 2024, 12,029 people contracted tuberculosis, including 420 children under the age of 17.
Tuberculosis prevention begins not with fear, but with self-care. A person who does not ignore a persistent cough, sees a doctor in a timely manner, gets tested after contact with an infected person, and does not delay treatment protects not only themselves but also those around them. This is especially important for families with young children, for people with chronic illnesses, and for those who live or work in large groups.
A separate and very important form of protection for children is the BCG vaccine. In Ukraine, tuberculosis vaccination is included in the National Immunization Schedule, and the vaccination of newborns is primarily aimed at protecting against severe generalized forms of tuberculosis, particularly tuberculous meningitis and miliary TB. According to data from the State Institution “Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine,” in 2025, BCG vaccination coverage among children in their first year of life in Ukraine was 91.9%, and in the Donetsk region, 85.9%.
Tuberculosis is dangerous precisely when it is ignored or when people put off taking care of their health “until later.” Therefore, the best prevention is simple but decisive action: know the symptoms, don’t delay seeing a doctor, ensure your children are vaccinated, and don’t miss the opportunity to get tested if there is a reason to do so. Sometimes, a single timely action can save not only health but also a life.
Specialists at the State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health” conduct epidemiological surveillance of tuberculosis and distribute tuberculosis vaccines among healthcare facilities in the Donetsk region.
You can check the availability of vaccines at medical facilities in the Donetsk region on the official website of the State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health” at the link: State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health” https://dn.cdc.gov.ua/citizens/vaccination/
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State Institution “Donetsk Regional Center for Public Health of the Ministry of Health”