Canadian Landmarks to Glow Red on March 24 for World Tuberculosis Day: A Call to Action

On March 24, 2025, cities across Canada will bathe their landmarks in red light to mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. This year’s initiative aims to raise awareness about TB, recognized as the deadliest infectious disease globally, with rates escalating alarmingly in Canada.

According to Taryn Russell, Executive Director of Results Canada, the rising TB cases reflect a devastating global health trend exacerbated by diminishing international support. "The effects of reduced funding from USAID and other nations cannot be overlooked," Russell stated. "We must rally around those suffering and dying from TB worldwide. Infectious diseases know no borders, and the uptick in TB cases here in Canada is a significant concern. Our solution lies in unity, not indifference."

In 2023 alone, TB resulted in 1.25 million deaths globally. In Canada, the situation is equally troubling: the death rate from TB reached 5.5 per 100,000 people, marking the highest statistic since at least 2014. That year, health officials reported 2,217 cases across the country.

Participants at the lighting events, including Red Deer City Hall and over 50 other landmarks, are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #YesWeCanEndTB. They are also urged to send a message to their Member of Parliament, advocating for comprehensive measures to eliminate TB both domestically and internationally.

Russell emphasized the partnership with Red Deer in this vital movement, highlighting that concerted efforts are essential to strive for a world devoid of TB, where everyone can access necessary healthcare and live healthy lives.

For those seeking to understand TB better, it is diagnosed through skin or blood tests and can be identified via lung X-rays. Symptoms include persistent cough, thick mucus, fatigue, fever, rapid heartbeat, and swelling in the neck, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. TB is airborne, transmitted when an infected person exhales or coughs.

As the red lights shine on March 24, Canadians are reminded of the urgent need for action against tuberculosis and are called to contribute to global health initiatives aimed at eliminating this preventable disease. Together, we can make strides towards a TB-free future!