The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised fresh concern over the deadly impact of tuberculosis (TB) in Africa, revealing that the disease claims a life every 83 seconds across the region.
In a message to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, disclosed that TB killed 378,000 people in 2024 and infected 2.7 million others, representing about a quarter of the global burden.
Despite the alarming figures, the global health body expressed optimism that TB can be eliminated as a public health threat, stressing that progress recorded in recent years provides a strong foundation for intensified action.
The 2026 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by Communities,” highlights the need for stronger national leadership, sustained investment and active community involvement in tackling the disease.
According to WHO, Africa has made notable gains, with TB-related deaths declining by 46 per cent and incidence dropping by 28 per cent between 2015 and 2024.
Several countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia, have met key global targets in reducing TB cases and deaths, demonstrating that progress is achievable with the right interventions.
Advancements in diagnosis and treatment are also improving outcomes. Rapid diagnostic tools are being scaled up, while shorter, all-oral treatment regimens—particularly for drug-resistant TB—are boosting recovery rates. The BPaLM regimen, now widely used in Africa, has recorded success rates of over 85 per cent.
However, WHO warned that significant challenges remain. An estimated 600,000 people with TB in Africa are either undiagnosed or untreated each year, while access to modern diagnostic tools remains limited, with just over half of patients benefiting from WHO-recommended testing.
The burden of drug-resistant TB is also rising, with about 62,000 people developing rifampicin-resistant TB annually in the region.
Beyond the health impact, the economic toll is severe, as nearly 70 per cent of affected households face catastrophic treatment costs—the highest rate globally.
Funding gaps continue to threaten progress. WHO estimates that Africa requires about $4.5 billion annually for an effective TB response but currently faces a shortfall of $3.6 billion.
The organisation stressed that meeting global targets set at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB will depend on stronger political commitment, increased domestic funding and more integrated health systems.
WHO also underscored the vital role of communities, noting that health workers, civil society groups and TB survivors are key to identifying cases, supporting treatment, reducing stigma and ensuring accountability.
Reaffirming its commitment, WHO pledged continued support to African countries through technical assistance, improved diagnostics and stronger health systems.
Janabi called on governments, donors and communities to step up efforts, close funding gaps and accelerate implementation of national TB programmes.
“Ending TB is within our reach,” he said, adding that with sustained leadership and collective action, Africa can overcome the disease.
He concluded on a hopeful note: “Yes, we can end TB.”
