The need for new, effective system of fi ght against tuberculosis was caused by rapid increase of tuberculosis morbidity rate in Poland after the Second World War. Social organizations promoting knowledge of preventing and fi ghting this contagious disease became and important part of the system. Social Committees for Fighting Tuberculosis were founded across Poland as independent organizations that cooperated with each other in propaganda and publishing activities. The goal of creating the central organization that would coordinate the activities of all social committees was fi nally achieved in 1972 with the foundation of Social Committee for Fighting Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Warsaw. Promotion of heath education on tuberculosis conducted by the Committee in many different forms played an important role in the sickness prevention. Thanks to the commitment of many people, the Social Committee for Fighting Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases conducted a successful activity for may years that greatly infl uenced the results of anti-tuberculosis action in Poland.

Słowa kluczowe: choroby płuc, ftyzjatria polska, gruźlica, lung diseases, Polish phthisiology, Social Committee for Fight against Tuberculos, Społecznego Komitet do Walki z Gruźlicą i Cho, tuberculosis