World TB Day 2026 — Accelerating Action to End TB in Africa
World TB Day, commemorated on 24 March each year, offers an important opportunity to raise awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and to reflect on progress and remaining challenges in ending this centuries-old disease. It also serves to mobilize political commitment, social action, and investment toward achieving the End TB Strategy targets.
According to the 2025 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, TB remains among the top ten causes of death globally and continues to be the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, above HIV/AIDS. The African Region accounts for approximately one-third of global TB deaths, reflecting the high burden and persistent inequities in access to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services.
The region has, however, made important strides in expanding the use of rapid molecular diagnostics, digital X-ray with AI-powered screening, and community-based TB care. Despite these achievements, challenges remain—particularly the increase in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases, which threaten to reverse recent gains and pose a serious public health security concern.
World TB Day provides a platform for people affected by TB, communities, civil society, policy-makers, and partners to renew commitments and strengthen collaboration for equitable and sustainable TB responses. In 2026, WHO urges all countries in the African Region to accelerate action, invest in innovation, and scale up preventive treatment, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey to end TB.