The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern over the persistent burden of tuberculosis (TB) in Africa, revealing that the disease kills one person every 83 seconds in the region despite notable progress in recent years.
In a message to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, disclosed that TB claimed 378,000 lives and infected 2.7 million people across the African Region in 2024 alone—accounting for about a quarter of the global burden.
Speaking under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB. Led by Countries. Powered by Communities,” Janabi stressed that while the crisis remains severe, there is a significant opportunity to eliminate the disease through coordinated action, stronger leadership, and community-driven interventions.
According to him, the region has recorded measurable gains over the past decade. TB deaths have declined by 46 per cent between 2015 and 2024, while incidence dropped by 28 per cent. Countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia have achieved key global milestones, including significant reductions in TB deaths and incidence rates.
He highlighted advancements in diagnosis and treatment, noting that rapid diagnostic technologies and shorter six-month all-oral treatment regimens are improving outcomes, particularly for drug-resistant TB. The BPaLM regimen, he said, has recorded success rates above 85 per cent, with Africa leading global adoption.
Despite these strides, Janabi warned that critical gaps persist. An estimated 600,000 TB cases remain undiagnosed or untreated annually in the region, while access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tools remains limited. Additionally, about 62,000 people develop rifampicin-resistant TB each year.
He further noted the economic toll on affected households, revealing that nearly 70 per cent face catastrophic healthcare costs—the highest proportion globally.
Funding shortfalls continue to undermine response efforts, with the region requiring approximately $4.5 billion annually but facing a deficit of about $3.6 billion.
The WHO chief emphasized that achieving global targets—such as reducing TB deaths by 90 per cent and ensuring universal access to care by 2027, as agreed at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting—will depend on increased domestic investment, stronger health systems, and sustained political commitment.
He also underscored the role of community actors, including health workers and civil society groups, in identifying cases, supporting treatment adherence, and combating stigma.
Janabi reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting African countries through technical assistance, improved diagnostics, and integration of TB services into primary healthcare systems.
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He called on governments, donors, and communities to intensify efforts to close funding gaps and accelerate national TB strategies.
“Ending TB is within our reach,” he said. “With sustained leadership, adequate investment and empowered communities, the African Region can eliminate tuberculosis as a public health threat.”
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