(Image Credit: LNN file photo)

By LNN Staff

World Tuberculosis Day, March 24

Lethbridge City Hall joins record number of Canadian monuments illuminated in red for World TB Day

Mar 19, 2026 | 4:03 PM

Lethbridge City Hall will join a record of over 65 monuments across Canada to be illuminated in red on March 24, in honour of World Tuberculosis Day. 

According to Results Canada, the effort is to raise awareness of tuberculosis (TB) as the world’s deadliest infectious disease. The organization is a volunteer network of advocates who work to address the root causes of poverty in Canada, including diseases like tuberculosis.

Officials say the camapign is particularly important as Canada and countries around the world are cutting their global health budgets and TB rates are rising.  

“The devastating effects of the cuts to international assistance on the spread of infectious diseases cannot be understated,” said Taryn Russell, executive director at Results Canada, in a press release. “Cases will rise and people will die. And Canadians are not immune. As we’ve seen with recent outbreaks in Nunavik, Labrador, and Edmonton’s inner city, infectious diseases do not respect borders. The solution is to work together to protect our future, not turn a blind eye.”   

According to Results Canada, the countries of the G7 are planning to reduce aid spending  by up to 28 per cent collectively, including $2.7 billion in cuts from Canada. At the same time, the organization says, the United States dismantled USAID and left the World Health Organization. 

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Results Canada says this is a worrying trend of high-income countries turning their backs on the world. According to the organization, the alleged cuts and divestments have halted health programs worldwide, disrupting TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. 

And yet, TB remains a significant public health concern, says Results Canada, despite being preventable and treatable. Officials say the disease claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023 alone and disproportionately affected those living in poverty. In Canada, TB is a growing threat, especially among groups who are often marginalized, including Indigenous and newcomer communities, says Results Canada. 

The organization says monuments are lit up every year on World TB Day. They add that the fact that more of them than ever are joining this effort from coast to coast shows that Canadians are increasingly concerned about the health and stability of the world.

Results Canada says this is a testament to the dedication and advocacy of the many Results Canada volunteer advocates who have been submitting requests for this initiative and tirelessly advocating for increased awareness and action from Canada to address TB.   

On the evening of March 24, the public is encouraged to go to Lethbridge City Hall and take a picture to post on their social media and tag their Member of Parliament, with a note about how we must end TB at home and around the world.   

“We are proud to work with Lethbridge this important initiative,” says Russell. “Together, we can work towards a stable world free of TB, where every individual has access to the care and support they need to live a healthy life.”   

For more information on the initiative and how you can get involved, please visit resultscanada.ca.