World TB Day 2026

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“Yes! We can end TB!”

Led by countries. Powered by people.

24 March 2026

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Yet it is preventable and treatable. This year’s theme for World TB Day - ‘Yes! We can end TB!’ - is a bold call to action and a message of hope, affirming that it is possible to get back on track and turn the tide on the TB epidemic, even in a challenging global environment. With decisive country leadership, increased domestic and international investment, rapid uptake of new WHO recommendations and innovations, accelerated action and strong multisectoral collaboration, ending TB is not just aspirational - it is achievable.

Situation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

TB is a significant public health threat in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

TB incidence in the Eastern Mediterranean Region ranges from under 1 to 495 cases per 100 000 population across countries in the Region.

The decrease in TB incidence and mortality is too little and too slow, at only 5.9% and 3.8%, respectively, between 2015 and 2024.

In 2024, there were an estimated 920 000 new TB cases and nearly 85 000 deaths.

One person in the Region falls ill with TB every 34 seconds.

One person dies every six minutes from TB.

Many TB-affected households continue to face catastrophic health expenditures.

As of 2024, the Region’s 22 countries and territories account for 8.6% of global TB cases

With sustained determination, resources and hard work, over 2.8 million TB cases were diagnosed and placed on treatment between 2020 and 2024: over 90% of these were successfully treated, contributing to a significant reduction in the TB burden across the Region.

Despite progress, gaps in detecting and notifying drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB cases continue to fuel transmission, especially among the most vulnerable and underserved populations. Additionally, TB preventive treatment is yet to be fully scaled up to achieve United Nations targets.

Action needed to end TB

Be part of TB elimination efforts! More funding and research, and the engagement of stakeholders across many sectors, are urgently needed to avoid losing hard-won gains.

Inaction means that more people will fall ill and more people will die, erasing the gains achieved so far, undermining years of progress and making elimination targets increasingly unattainable.

Key messages

WHO representative in Libya sitting with a TB patient

Make investing in TB a strategic political choice

Investing in TB is not just a health measure; it is a strategic political and economic decision. The evidence is clear: every dollar invested in TB generates up to USD 43 in economic and health returns. With sustained political will and committed financing, countries can strengthen health systems, protect communities, and turn the tide on ending TB.

A person wearing a white coat uses a smartphone to photograph a chest X‑ray displayed on a laptop screen on a desk with medical items nearby

Accelerate innovation to reach people faster

Breakthrough tools save lives only when they reach communities.

A person in a white coat uses a smartphone to photograph a chest X‑ray displayed on a laptop screen on a desk

Protect hard‑won gains

Global crises and fiscal pressures threaten TB progress. Countries must protect essential TB services, prevent disruptions, and preserve achievements.

A group of people stand inside a laboratory or clinic workspace, observing a person operating equipment on a counter

End TB to strengthen health security

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Ending TB builds stronger, more resilient health systems, a critical investment in national and global health security.

Mobile clinic to treat TB suspected people

Mobilize whole-of-government, multisectoral action

TB is driven by social, economic, and structural inequities and continues to disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations. Ending TB requires coordinated mulitsectoral action, beyond the health sector, backed by strong accountability mechanisms.

Deliver people‑centred TB care

Integrated PHC-level TB services must be accessible, affordable, stigma‑free, and community‑driven. Engaging civil society and people affected by TB ensures policies and services truly meet people’s needs.

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