On the afternoon of March 28, an immersive health awareness event marking the 31st World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was held at the Canghai Community, Yuehai Campus of Shenzhen University. The event was jointly organized by the Public Hygiene and Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality and Nanshan District Health Bureau, and co-hosted by the Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, the School of Media and Communication (SMC), and the Internet Civilization Research Center of Shenzhen University.

Centered on the theme“TB-Free Youth, Free to Breathe,” the event moved beyond traditional one-way health education by adopting interactive, student-centered approaches. Drawing hundreds of students and staff, the event represented a meaningful step forward in the ongoing district-wide initiative to build a TB-free campus in Nanshan.

Although often perceived as a disease of the past, tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, TB continues to pose a serious global threat. In China alone, approximately 696,000 new cases were reported in 2024. Against this backdrop, the event sought to transform health education from passive information delivery into a hands-on, participatory experience. To further encourage participation, attendees could collect stamps and redeem creative souvenirs, while an on-site health consultation booth offered free advice on general wellness, including skincare and common disease prevention.

Universities are key settings for infectious disease prevention, as dense living environments and academic pressures can heighten students' susceptibility. By bringing health education directly onto campus, SMC and its partners aim to cultivate a culture of proactive health awareness among young people, contributing to the broader goal of building a healthier, TB-free Nanshan.