Prevention
Over the years many efforts have been made to stop the spread of tuberculosis. From legislation banning spitting in public, to the development of vaccinations, to public screening programs, preventative efforts have sought to inform people about the disease and to stop the spread of the disease.
Anti-Tuberculosis Organizations in Canada
After the discovery of the cause of tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, various public health measures were taken to decrease the spread of the disease. At the forefront of these measures were a number of anti-tuberculosis associations, such as the Canadian Association for the Prevention of TB, formed in 1900. This association focused on educating the public about stopping the spread of TB, and helped to form sanatoria and dispensaries. In the 1920s the renamed Canadian Tuberculosis Association also played a significant role in screening school-children and managing the Christmas Seals program.
A key method of public education used by such associations was the poster. In 1929 the Canadian Tuberculosis Association sent out 16 million posters. The message of these posters focused on preventing the spread of germs by stopping people from spitting in public streets, and by gaining support for legislation that would ban public drinking cups and spitting. Some also sought to make people aware of the need for fresh air and the dangers of crowded living conditions, while other focused on the benefits of a nutritious diet.
In 1977 the Canadian Tuberculosis Association was renamed the Canadian Lung Association.
Explore the picture gallery to learn more about this preventative measure.
