World TB Day 2025: Shining a Light on Tuberculosis
On World TB Day 2025, Stop TB Canada, along with our dedicated partners, volunteers, and advocates, joined forces to raise awareness and drive action in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). This year, we focused on the stark reality that while TB is a curable disease, it continues to claim 1.25 million lives every year. As we reflect on the progress made, we also recognize that much more work remains to be done. By raising awareness, calling for policy changes, and advocating for sustained investment in TB programs, we are paving the way towards a world free of TB.
As author John Green writes in his new book Everything is Tuberculosis, we can no longer say TB is simply caused by a bacterium because we know how to kill that bacterium. Instead, TB persists because of the choices we make and the systems we uphold. It is a disease of injustice, not inevitability. But that means we also hold the power to end it. By raising awareness, pushing for policy change, and demanding sustained resourcing to support TB programming, we can be the cure for tuberculosis. Ending TB starts with us.
Shining a Light on TB Across Canada
The success of World TB Day in Canada was made possible by the collective efforts of passionate volunteers and advocates. With the leadership of Results Canada volunteers, over 50 landmarks across the country were illuminated in red on March 24 to showcase our commitment to the fight to end TB. From the CN Tower in Toronto to the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canadians came together to stand in solidarity with those affected by TB and raise their voices for a world free of TB.
Volunteers and advocates marked World TB Day across Canada. Pictured: Ottawa (top left), Toronto (top right), Montreal (bottom left), and Nunavik (bottom right).
#UnitetoEndTB Event in Toronto
On March 24, 2025, Results Canada hosted the #UniteToEndTB event in Toronto to commemorate World TB Day and mobilize advocates in the fight to eliminate tuberculosis.
The event began with a powerful reflection from Himanshu Patel, a TBPeople Canada member who shared his journey through DR-TB treatment, highlighting the physical, emotional, and social challenges that come with navigating life after a TB diagnosis. A panel discussion followed, exploring TB challenges in Canada and internationally, with insights and recommendations from Dr. Charity Oga-Omenka, Dr. Elizabeth Rea, and Himanshu Patel. Participants then created signs to amplify key TB messages before gathering at the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square, lit in red to raise awareness and show solidarity. We thank the Ontario Council for International Cooperation and Global Affairs Canada for supporting this important initiative.
Advocating for Greater Access to Medicines to #EndTB
Stop TB Canada hosted a powerful webinar highlighting the findings of our Access to Essential Tuberculosis Medicines in Canada report, which exposed critical gaps in access to life-saving TB treatments. Thank you to our Steering Committee members, Dr. Adam Houston and Madlen Nash, as well as our speakers, Linette McElroy, Dr. Cherise Scott, Sandeep Juneja, Sarah Prowse, and Tanya Ramsamy for joining us to shed light on the current challenges in TB treatment in Canada and highlight pathways for change. Watch the recording here.
The Fight to #EndTB Continues
While World TB Day 2025 was an inspiring success, the journey is far from over. With continued advocacy, public engagement, and collective action, we can ensure a future where tuberculosis no longer threatens lives. Stop TB Canada will continue to hold governments accountable, support innovative solutions, and work with our partners to eliminate TB for good. Together, we are the cure. #YesWeCanEndTB!
Join us! Reach out to hello@stoptbcanada.com to learn how you can get involved in advocacy to #EndTB in Canada and abroad.