World Tuberculosis Day is observed on 24th March each year with the aim of spreading public awareness about the global epidemic of Tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.

In light with the celebration of World Tuberculosis Day and sensitizing the public on testing for TB, Mico The Best has organized a concert that will also feature performances by renowned rapper, Riderman.

Anita Pendo, an entertainment figure working with RBA will be the master of ceremony.

Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the concert will go live on social media platforms including his Youtube channel.

The concert will begin 7pm.

Claude Uhujimfura, the Manager of KIKAC music label has told IGIHE that the concert was organized in collaboration with relevant institutions including the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Biomedica Center among other key players in the fight against Tuberculosis.

Mico the Best officially joined anti-Tuberculosis awareness campaign in January 2020.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable.

TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected.

About one-quarter of the world’s population has a TB infection, which means people have been infected by TB bacteria but are not (yet) ill with the disease and cannot transmit it.

People infected with TB bacteria have a 5–10% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB.

Those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill.

When a person develops active TB disease, the symptoms (such as cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss) may be mild for many months. This can lead to delays in seeking care, and results in transmission of the bacteria to others. People with active TB can infect 5–15 other people through close contact over the course of a year.

Without proper treatment, WHO says, 45% of HIV-negative people with TB on average and nearly all HIV-positive people with TB will die.

Mico The Best with former Minister of Health, Dr. Diane Gashumba at the launch of anti-TB campaign last year.