WHO calls for increased investment, leadership to end TB in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for stronger political commitment, increased domestic funding and expanded community engagement to end tuberculosis (TB) in Africa, as the world marks World Tuberculosis Day 2026.

The Organization has said the African region requires about $4.5 billion annually for an effective TB response but is currently facing a $3.6 billion funding gap, with an estimated 600,000 people going undiagnosed or untreated each year.

Despite the figures, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, said progress has been recorded, noting that TB deaths declined by 46 per cent between 2015 and 2024, while incidence fell by 28 per cent, with countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia meeting key global targets.

In a message to commemorate the day, Janabi, who noted that TB remains a major public health threat in the region, said, “Every 83 seconds, tuberculosis claims a life in the WHO African Region. 

“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”.

Despite the figures, Janabi said notable progress has been recorded over the years. According to him, TB deaths declined by 46 per cent between 2015 and 2024, while incidence fell by 28 per cent, with countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia meeting key global targets.

He added that advances in diagnostics and treatment are improving outcomes, particularly the rollout of shorter, all-oral treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB, with success rates exceeding 85 per cent.

“This progress demonstrates that determined leadership, strengthened health systems and community engagement can deliver measurable results,” he said.

However, the WHO warned that significant gaps remain, noting that about 600,000 people with TB in the region are not diagnosed or treated each year, while many lack access to rapid diagnostic tools.

The agency also highlighted the economic burden of the disease, stating that nearly 70 per cent of affected households face catastrophic costs.

He urged governments to scale up domestic investment and implement national strategies, while calling on development partners and communities to support efforts to expand access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

“Country leadership is essential to closing these gaps. Delivering on global commitments requires sustained political will, increased domestic financing, and stronger health systems.

“Communities remain central to this effort… Ending TB is within our reach. With sustained leadership, adequate investment and empowered communities, the African Region can end tuberculosis as a public health threat,” Janabi said.

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