March 24th marks the anniversary of the day when the bacterium causing TB was first discovered. Every year on this day the world celebrates Tuberculosis Day with an aim to increase public awareness about Tuberculosis and how to prevent its spread. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the lungs are the most commonly affected organs. TB can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Factors such as weakened immune systems, diabetes, malnutrition and tobacco use can increase the risk of TB disease progression. On this day in 1882, Dr. Robert Koch identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB. The first World TB Day was officially observed in 1983, and since then, it has become an annual event.