World TB Day

Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia

The WHO South-East Asia region continues to carry a disproportionate share of the burden of tuberculosis (TB), one of the world's leading infectious diseases. The region accounts for approximately 34% of people developing the disease globally and nearly 40% of deaths. In 2024 alone, an estimated 3.68 million people developed TB and approximately 433 000 lives were lost, including 13 000 among people living with HIV.

This year, the theme for World TB Day- "Yes! We Can End TB"- is a timely reminder that progress is within reach when political commitment, science and innovation, and community leadership come together.

Since 2015, South-East Asia has achieved a 23% reduction in TB deaths, and a 16% decline in TB incidence that has outpaced the global average decline of 12%. Treatment coverage has expanded significantly to exceed 85%, with more than 3.1 million people initiated on TB treatment in 2024. Member States continue to achieve treatment success rates above the global average, including for drug-resistant TB, while expanding preventive treatment for people living with HIV and household contacts.

National programmes are strengthening TB services, integrating them within primary health care and universal health coverage, and using data and innovation to reach those still being missed. These gains reflect the sustained efforts of governments, health workers, communities and partners across the region.

Nevertheless, the region remains off track to meet the End TB milestones. Drug-resistant TB remains a serious challenge, with an estimated 150 000 MDR/RR-TB cases each year in the region. Socio-economic drivers continue to fuel transmission as undernutrition and diabetes are major risk factors, and 44% of TB-affected households face catastrophic costs due to the disease.

To drive progress the focus needs to be on:

• Accelerating the pace of decline in TB incidence and deaths, especially in high burden settings, through integrated approaches embedded within primary health care to provide people-centred care.
• Closing the detection and treatment gaps, including for drug-resistant TB, through universal access to rapid diagnostics and shorter treatment regimens.
• Addressing social and economic determinants of the disease, such as nutrition, diabetes and HIV, that continue to fuel transmission.
• Harnessing new technologies, including AI, to expand access to quality care that leaves no-one behind.

On World TB Day, WHO calls for stronger national leadership, sustained investment, and the continued engagement of communities and people affected by TB.