On March 24, residents of Victoria, British Columbia, will witness a striking sight as the Capital Regional District's headquarters and the British Columbia Legislative Assembly will illuminate in vibrant red to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day. This initiative forms part of a national effort, with 51 other buildings and monuments across Canada participating in this important observance.

World Tuberculosis Day, marked annually, aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has tragically claimed the lives of over one billion individuals globally since it was first identified in 1882. Alarmingly, TB continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, second only to COVID-19.

Advocacy group Results Canada has emphasized the urgency of this matter, stating, "We must stand with people suffering and dying from TB around the world now more than ever." The organization highlights the unsettling rise in TB cases in Canada, urging collective action to combat this public health crisis. "Infectious diseases do not respect borders," they continued, underlining the importance of global cooperation to mitigate TB's impact.

On the day of the event, members of Results Canada will be present outside both iconic buildings, inviting the public to capture photographs and share them on social media platforms using the hashtag #YesWeCanEndTB. This campaign also encourages individuals to send these posts to their local members of Parliament, advocating for urgent action to address the disease both domestically and internationally.

The growing number of landmarks illuminating in red this year reflects Canadians' deep commitment to humanitarian causes, according to Results Canada. "This display highlights not only our concern for those affected by this disease but also the relentless efforts of our volunteers who have been advocating for increased awareness and action on TB."

As TB continues to pose a significant threat, global fundraising and awareness-raising activities like World Tuberculosis Day serve as crucial reminders of the need for immediate attention and resources to eliminate this disease for good.