The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that tuberculosis (TB) deaths in Africa have declined by 42% between 2015 and 2023, while TB cases have dropped by 24%. This progress marks the most significant decline in TB deaths globally during this period. Despite these achievements, key targets to further reduce the disease burden have not been fully met.
Improved case detection and treatment have contributed to these reductions. In 2023, 1.9 million cases were identified compared to 1.4 million in 2020. Treatment coverage across the region has increased from 55% to 74%. South Africa has surpassed its 2025 milestone, achieving a 50% reduction in TB incidence ahead of schedule. Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia have already met the goal of a 75% reduction in TB deaths. Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda are also progressing significantly, with mortality reductions of 66% or more.
Eastern and Southern Africa have led the way in reducing TB incidence, cutting it from 466 to 266 cases per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2023. However, Central and West Africa have seen slower progress, and TB remains a significant health concern in these regions.
The 2025 World TB Day theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” highlights the need for stronger commitments and investments in TB control. WHO’s End TB Strategy aims for a 75% reduction in TB deaths and a 50% decline in cases by 2025 compared to 2015 levels.
Despite the improvements, challenges persist. Access to rapid diagnostics has expanded from 24% in 2015 to 54% in 2023, yet this remains insufficient in controlling multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). Over half of MDR-TB cases remain undiagnosed and untreated.
TB imposes a heavy financial burden on families, with nearly 68% of affected households in Africa experiencing catastrophic healthcare costs, including medical expenses and lost income, making treatment adherence difficult. Funding shortages also present a major obstacle. The region requires $4.5 billion annually to provide comprehensive TB services, but only $0.9 billion is available, leaving a $3.6 billion gap.
Without urgent investment, life-saving treatments will remain inaccessible for many. WHO continues to support countries in adopting rapid diagnostic tools and updated treatment guidelines in line with the UN High-Level Meeting Political Declaration on TB 2023. The organization calls for urgent action to close the diagnostic gap, increase funding, and expand access to treatment and prevention to meet global TB reduction targets.
TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs and is caused by bacteria. If left untreated, it can be fatal. The bacteria can also attack other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB mostly affects adults in their most productive years, but all age groups are at risk. The disease spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
Two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. Latent TB infection occurs when TB bacteria live in the body without causing illness. Individuals with latent TB infection do not have symptoms and cannot spread the bacteria but may develop TB disease if left untreated. Many people with latent TB infection never develop active disease as the bacteria remain inactive for a lifetime.
TB disease develops when the immune system cannot prevent the bacteria from growing. Individuals with TB disease are sick and may spread the bacteria to others. Common symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
WHO recommends rapid molecular diagnostic tests as the initial diagnostic method for individuals with TB symptoms. Recommended tests include Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Truenat assays, which have high diagnostic accuracy and improve early detection of TB and drug-resistant TB. Treatment for TB consists of antibiotics taken daily for four to six months, which is essential for both latent TB infection and active TB disease. Effective treatment ensures recovery and prevents the spread of TB.
