Tuberculosis is not yet defeated
Tuberculosis is once again the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. After COVID-19 temporarily topped the list during the pandemic, more than one million people are once again dying from tuberculosis every year. despite effective treatment options
Tuberculosis cases also increased in Switzerland in 2025. However, the risk of infection for the population remains very low. Thanks to the cooperation of cantonal health authorities, doctors and specialized agencies, the notifiable disease remains under control.
Internationally, tuberculosis remains a significant socio-economic problem, especially in less privileged countries. The Swiss Lung Association runs the Tuberculosis Competence Center on behalf of the Federal Office of Public Health. This supports national epidemiological surveillance and serves as a point of contact for specialist organizations, those affected and the general public.
World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 commemorates the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium by Robert Koch in 1882 - a milestone in the fight against the disease. It was then possible to develop a therapy against tuberculosis. In 1903, the «Swiss Central Commission against Tuberculosis», now the Swiss Lung League, began its work.
Source: lungleague.ch
