Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health challenge, with over 10 million new cases reported worldwide in 2024. In China alone, approximately 741,000 new cases were recorded, highlighting the country’s significant burden in TB prevention and control. However, advancements in research and treatment are paving the way for improved containment strategies, particularly in Guangdong province.
Guangzhou Laboratory, a key research facility specializing in respiratory diseases, is currently developing a vaccine aimed at completely breaking the TB transmission chain in the coming years. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance TB prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment while addressing social factors such as discrimination against patients. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that involves the entire society, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
The progress in short-term treatment and vaccine development in Guangdong has laid a solid technological foundation for reducing TB transmission. Over the past decade, the province has achieved remarkable success in TB control. Since late 2012, the reported TB incidence rate in Guangdong has declined by 51 percent. The province has detected and treated approximately 720,000 cases, maintaining a treatment success rate of over 90 percent and a consistently low mortality rate.
Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, has emerged as a model city for TB prevention and control. In 2024, the city’s TB incidence rate was recorded at 33.82 cases per 100,000 people, with a treatment success rate of 94.89 percent and a mortality rate of just 0.31 per 100,000 cases. These statistics underscore the effectiveness of the city’s TB containment strategies.
To further enhance treatment outcomes, Guangzhou Chest Hospital has established the most comprehensive tuberculosis subspecialty treatment system in China. This system addresses 18 types of complex TB cases, including neurological, bone, and intestinal tuberculosis. Through a structured diagnosis and treatment approach, patients can directly access specialized departments, ensuring timely and targeted medical intervention. Additionally, individuals with extrapulmonary tuberculosis benefit from seamless medical support throughout their treatment journey.
In an effort to strengthen TB prevention, Guangzhou has implemented proactive screening programs targeting key populations, including university students, elderly individuals, and those with diabetes. The city has also launched innovative projects such as “tuberculosis-free areas” to establish a closed-loop system that integrates screening, treatment, and long-term disease management.
These concerted efforts reflect a strong commitment to eliminating TB transmission and improving public health outcomes. With continued advancements in vaccine development, diagnostics, and treatment, significant progress can be expected in the fight against tuberculosis.
