1982 marks the centenary of the discovery by Robert Koch of the tubercle bacillus. The World Health Organisation and the International Union Against Tuberculosis join in celebrating this important scientific and humanitarian event.
In 1882, on the 24th of March, he made known his monumental discovery of the tubercle bacillus which causes this killing disease. His discovery marked the first step towards the conquest of tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis still ranks among the major health problems of the world, though it has declined rapidly in many highly developed countries. It is estimated that each year about 3.5 million people develop tuberculosis and more than half a million die of it. Yet effective techniques to prevent and stop the spread of tuberculosis have been developed which are especially applicable to the situation in developing countries.
With the dramatic discovery of powerful anti-TB drugs it has proved possible for patients to be treated at home thus ending the need for sanatoria. The disease, it has been shown, can be defeated irrespective of its environment. Simplified technology as part of a primary health care approach can save millions of lives.
The commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the discovery by Koch of the TB bacillus should serve as an inspiration to communities everywhere to intensify and win the fight against the white plague.
Details
- Date of Issue: 3 February 1982
- Date Withdrawn:
- Date Invalidated:
- Designer: A D Theobald
- Printer: Harrison & Sons (High Wycombe) Ltd.
- Process: Lithography
- Paper:
- Watermark: Multiple Crown CA Diagonal (sideways)
- Perf: 14 (comb)
- Cylinders: Printed in two panes separated by horizontal gutter.
- 1A : 1B [upper left : upper right]
- 1C : 1D [lower left : lower right]
- Sheet: R5 x 5 (25 stamps)
- Quantity:
Subjects
- 5c – No Truce For TB Until It’s Eradication
- 16c – TB The Next Disease To Defeat
- 21c – Help Right The Old Enemy TB
- $1 – TB Efforts Will Be Rewarding
First Day Covers (Official)
