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“Join Us in Detecting and Preventing Tuberculosis with Christmas Seals” Busan Launches Its Signature Year-End Giving Campaign

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold a “Christmas Seal Presentation Ceremony” at 2:00 p.m. today (December 12) in the City Hall Reception Room, together with the Busan Branch of the Korea National Tuberculosis Association, to mark the official launch of this year’s Christmas Seal fundraising campaign.

The Christmas Seal fundraising campaign is Busan’s 대표 year-end giving initiative, joined by the City, its 16 districts and counties, public institutions, and citizens. It aims to raise funds for tuberculosis prevention and early eradication, while also raising public awareness of the risks of tuberculosis and the importance of prevention.

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The Christmas Seal is a commemorative seal issued annually by the Korea National Tuberculosis Association since 1953 to raise funds for the early eradication of tuberculosis. The funds collected are used for public-interest purposes such as supporting tuberculosis patients, prevention education, research, and public awareness campaigns.

At today’s ceremony, Busan Metropolitan City will present KRW 2 million in donations for tuberculosis eradication to the Busan Branch of the Korea National Tuberculosis Association, while the Association will present Christmas Seals to the City. The event will be attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon and Park Nam-cheol, President of the Busan Branch of the Korea National Tuberculosis Association.

This year’s Christmas Seals were designed using characters from “Bread Barbershop Season 2,” allowing citizens to engage with tuberculosis prevention messages in a more approachable and friendly way. In addition, various fan merchandise such as key rings, magnets, and pouches have been prepared to broaden public participation.

Busan’s fundraising target for this year’s Christmas Seal campaign is KRW 2.04 billion, while the nationwide target is KRW 30 billion. Funds raised through sales and donations will be used for projects including: support for tuberculosis treatment and management for students and senior citizens; assistance for low-income and vulnerable patients; international tuberculosis eradication projects and support for developing countries; and tuberculosis testing, research, and prevention awareness campaigns.

Meanwhile, Busan Metropolitan City is implementing a range of policies to protect citizens’ health through early detection of tuberculosis and support for treatment. Each year, the City and district public health centers provide tuberculosis prevention education for schools, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups, while offering testing and consultations for suspected cases to support early diagnosis.

In particular, as Busan has a relatively high proportion of elderly residents, tuberculosis management for senior citizens and vulnerable groups has become increasingly important. Accordingly, the City works closely each year with the Busan Branch of the Korea National Tuberculosis Association to provide tuberculosis screening, treatment support, and protection for vulnerable populations.

As of 2023, Korea ranks second among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in terms of tuberculosis incidence and fifth in mortality, underscoring that tuberculosis is an infectious disease requiring sustained management.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can be sufficiently managed through early detection and consistent treatment, and Christmas Seals are not merely commemorative items but a symbol of ‘tuberculosis prevention and sharing’ carried out together with citizens.” He added, “I hope many citizens will take part in this year’s fundraising campaign, and Busan Metropolitan City will further strengthen its prevention and support policies to create a city safe from tuberculosis.”