DHAKA: According to 2014 statistics, a total of 191,155 people (122 per one lakh) are suffering from tuberculosis in the country while the germ of tuberculosis was found in phlegm of 106,775 people among them.

The statistics was disclosed at a press conference, jointly organized by National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) under the Health Directorate and BRAC, at Jatiya Press Club in city ahead of World Tuberculosis Day on March 24.

Dr Qazi Al Mamun Siddiqui of BRAC’s tuberculosis control program specialist highlighted the importance of the day, adding that the day will be marked to raise awareness among people by publishing general information about TB and its prevention.

The theme of this year’s TB day is “Reach The 3 Million - Reach, Treat, Cure Everyone”.

Dr Qazi Al Mamun Siddiqui said they will inform people about the symptoms, diagnosis methods and places of TB treatment.

He further said one cannot fight against TB alone, putting emphasis on working collectively to control the disease.

National program consultant of NTP Dr Mujibur Rahman, program manager (TB) Dr Mojammel Haque, ICDDRB program consultant Dr M Lutfur Rahman and program manager (TB) of BRAC Dr Shaila Islam, among others, addressed the press conference.

The programs to mark the day will start through a procession at 7:00am on Tuesday.

BDST: 1857 HRS, MAR 23, 2015