Governments around the world have been reminded of the need to increase domestic investment and accelerate implementation of national TB strategies, in line with the commitments made at the UN High-Level Meeting.
Because, every 83 seconds, tuberculosis (TB) claims a life in the WHO African Region as in 2024 alone, TB killed 378 000 people and infected 2.7 million more, representing one quarter of the global burden. Yet, amidst this crisis lies unprecedented opportunity.
The call came in a statement by the World Health Organization, WHO, at the heal of this year’s World TB Day, under the theme Yes! We Can End TB. Led by Countries.
Powered by Communities, the message reaffirms the collective commitment to ending TB as a public health threat. ” The theme recognizes that progress depends on strong national leadership, sustained investment and empowered communities driving change at every level”.
According to the statement, the African Region has made significant progress. Between 2015 and 2024, TB deaths have declined by 46% and TB incidence has fallen by 28%. Several countries have reached key global milestones.
“South Africa met the 2025 target for reducing TB incidence, while Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia achieved a 75% reduction in TB deaths”. the statement affirmed
It says, rapid diagnostic technologies are being scaled up, and shorter, more effective six-month all-oral treatment regimens are transforming outcomes for people with drug-resistant TB.
“The revolutionary six -month all-oral BPaLM regimen has achieved success rates exceeding 85%, with the African Region leading the global uptake, noting that, between 2023 and 2024, the proportion of drug-resistant patients receiving six-month regimens surged from almost zero to about 40%, the fastest adoption rate of any WHO region.
The progress WHO says, demonstrates that determined leadership, strengthened health systems and community engagement can deliver measurable results.
“At the same time, major gaps continue to slow progress as each year, an estimated 600 000 people with TB in the African Region are not diagnosed or treated”.
“Only over half of all patients have access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests, leaving hundreds of thousands undiagnosed, or diagnosed too late. In addition, an estimated 62 000 people still develop rifampicin-resistant TB annually”. WHO
It expressed dismay that, families face devastating financial consequences pointing out that, nearly 70% of households affected by TB experience catastrophic costs, with the African Region accounting for the highest proportion.
“These challenges WHO stated are compounded by insufficient investment as the African Region needs about US$4.5 billion annually to mount a comprehensive TB response. Yet current funding remains far below this level, with a US3.6-billion shortfall”.
According to WHO, Country leadership is essential to closing the gaps adding that at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis, world leaders committed to reaching 90% of people affected by TB with prevention and care services, reducing TB deaths by 90%, and eliminating catastrophic costs for affected households by 2027.
“Delivering on these commitments requires sustained political will, increased domestic financing, and whole-of-government action to integrate TB prevention, diagnosis and care within stronger and more resilient health systems”.
Communities remain central to this effort. Community health workers, civil society organizations and people affected by TB are helping to find missing cases, support treatment adherence, reduce stigma and strengthen accountability. “It adds that, their leadership ensures that national commitments translate into real progress for people and families”.
WHO promises to be committed to supporting Member States through technical guidance, capacity strengthening and partnership. “We will continue working with countries to expand access to rapid diagnostics, accelerate the rollout of improved treatment regimens, strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems, and integrate TB services within primary health care”. it says
WHO calls on partners and donors to help close the funding gap and support country-led priorities while urging communities and civil society to continue their essential role in reaching vulnerable populations, and holding them accountable.
Experts say, ending TB is within reach and with sustained leadership, adequate investment and empowered communities, the African Region can end tuberculosis as a public health threat”.WHO
Yes. We can end TB!