Nepal joined the international community in observing the International Tuberculosis (TB) Day which falls on March 24 each year on Wednesday.

This day is marked with rallies, interaction programs and meetings to build public awareness about tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.

According to the National TB Center, there are at least 67,546 TB patients in the country.

TB primarily affects the lungs but can also affect different organs in the body.

Pneumonia along with chest pain, prolonged cough and loss of immune system are some of the symptoms of the TB disease. TB is one of the major causes of illness and death worldwide.

TB can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet which strengthens the immune system and regular TB tests. As the disease is airborne and spreads through the environment, TB patients are advised to keep their mouths covered and remain at home to prevent contact with others.