World TB Day

Every year on March 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize World TB Day. It was on this date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis (TB). The goal of this day is to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world as well as share successes and challenges in the fight against this disease.

Robert Koch

ZEISS has been supporting TB research since its discovery as Robert Koch used a ZEISS microscope. He wrote in a letter to the company founder Carl Zeiss: “A large part of my success I owe to your excellent microscopes.” ZEISS continues to support TB research with a specially designed microscope for TB detection. Read more about this technology and a unique application in the following blog posts.

Providing microscopes for the “Stop TB” initiative

Founded in 2001, the Stop TB Partnership’s mission is to serve every person who is vulnerable to TB and ensure that high-quality diagnosis, treatment and care is available to all who need it. Stop TB operates through a secretariat hosted by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Geneva, Switzerland and seven working groups whose role is to accelerate progress on diagnosis and treatment. As a preferred supplier for the the “Stop TB” initiative, ZEISS is working to provide microscopes, such as Primo Star iLED, specifically designed for TB detection to support this critical endeavor. Read more.

Microscopy Aboard a Medical Ship in Papua New Guinea

Local lab technicians have the opportunity to gain hands on training and experience.

Papua New Guinea has one of the highest TB infection rates in the world. Just like in many less-developed countries, the standard of medical care in Papua New Guinea is simply insufficient. There are hardly any resources and doctors in rural areas often lack the experience and the equipment needed to detect infectious diseases like TB. ‘Youth With A Mission – Medical Ship Australia’ (YWAM MSA) provides the villages of Papua New Guinea with eye, dental and other medical care as well as assistance with training local doctors and lab technicians. Read more.