Publications

This brief update on tuberculosis (TB) TB in the WHO African Region, strategic priorities and targets and the impact of COVID-19 on essential services. This is followed by key figures for the region, the role of WHO in country support and, recognizing the importance of diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing, a focus on strengthening laboratory networks and the regional laboratory and diagnostic objectives. A brief update of the state of the science and how this is funded across the African region is provided, before closing with challenges and opportunities, strategic directions and a brief discussion of funding concerns. Discussions around the drivers of the disease, and issues of the poverty, inequality and stigma that continue to plague those living with TB are fully recognized, but are outside the scope of this report.

An estimated 2.5 million people fell ill with TB in the African Region in 2021, and around 500 000 people died of the disease in the same year. TB continues to be a significant public health problem in the WHO African Region, which accounts for 23% of new case and 31% of TB-related deaths, despite making up only 15% of the world’s population. The heavy burden of HIV in the region is reflected in the 20% of new TB cases that are reported among people living with HIV and AIDS.