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Busan Metropolitan City to Hold Joint Campaign for the 16th Tuberculosis Prevention Day

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold a joint campaign to promote tuberculosis prevention today (March 26) at 2:00 PM at the lighthouse square of City Hall, in observance of the 16th Tuberculosis Prevention Day and Tuberculosis Prevention Week.

The campaign will be joined by Busan Metropolitan City, its 16 district and county public health centers, the Korean National Tuberculosis Association Busan Branch, and Pusan National University Hospital.

Tuberculosis Prevention Day (March 24) was established to raise awareness of the importance of tuberculosis prevention and to heighten public alertness. The national government and local governments operate Tuberculosis Prevention Week (March 22–28) to inform local residents of the risks of tuberculosis and to promote activities aimed at reducing incidence rates.

During the campaign, Busan Metropolitan City will conduct street outreach at the City Hall lighthouse square and the Geoje Market area, distributing leaflets and promotional materials that include guidance on tuberculosis prevention rules and the message that a tuberculosis test is necessary if a cough persists for more than two weeks.

In particular, through collaboration with the Korean National Tuberculosis Association Busan Branch, a mobile examination vehicle will be stationed at the City Hall lighthouse square to provide free chest X-ray screenings and professional consultations, encouraging strong participation from citizens.

The mobile examination will be available from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Anyone can receive the service free of charge through on-site registration, and free consultations will also be provided after the examination.

Meanwhile, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on March 24, through the “2025 Tuberculosis Notification Status,” that the number of tuberculosis patients in Korea has continued to decline for 14 consecutive years.

Although the incidence rate of new tuberculosis cases in Busan Metropolitan City has decreased from 2nd to 3rd among metropolitan cities after four years, the proportion of elderly patients aged 65 and older remains high at 497 cases (57.8%). Therefore, focused management of the elderly and sustained attention and efforts for tuberculosis prevention are required.

Tuberculosis is a type of respiratory infectious disease, and patients with active tuberculosis can transmit the bacteria. If a cough persists for more than two weeks, a tuberculosis test is necessary. It can be diagnosed through chest X-rays and sputum tests, and suspected cases can receive free testing by visiting a public health center.

Cho Gyu-yul, Director General of the Citizens’ Health Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, stated, “To prevent tuberculosis infection, it is important to practice proper cough etiquette in daily life, undergo tuberculosis testing, and foster social awareness and participation. We hope this campaign will serve as an opportunity to recognize the importance of tuberculosis prevention and management.”