The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for greater political commitment, increased innovation, and decentralized healthcare services to accelerate efforts to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
Marking World Tuberculosis Day 2026, WHO emphasized that ending TB is achievable if countries take urgent, coordinated action. The organization highlighted the need to strengthen primary healthcare systems, expand access to rapid diagnostic tools, and ensure that TB services reach communities more effectively.
According to WHO, an estimated 2.9 million people were affected by TB in the Western Pacific region in 2024, with countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and China among the highest burden nations. While progress has been made through better diagnostics and shorter treatment regimens, challenges such as limited funding, undernutrition, smoking, alcohol use, and diabetes continue to hinder efforts.
A key focus of the initiative is decentralizing TB care, meaning services should be delivered closer to communities. This approach can help detect cases earlier, reduce treatment delays, and prevent further transmission. WHO also stressed the importance of stigma-free, people-centered care to ensure vulnerable populations are not left behind.
The organization is urging countries to adopt innovative tools, including rapid molecular diagnostic tests that can quickly identify TB and drug-resistant strains. Expanding access to such technologies is seen as critical to improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
WHO further highlighted that investing in TB control is not only a health priority but also an economic one, noting that every dollar invested can yield up to $43 in returns through improved health and productivity.
Overall, WHO called on governments, healthcare workers, and communities to work together, maintain strong political will, and scale up efforts. The message is clear: with timely action, innovation, and sustained commitment, ending TB is within reach.
