Tuberculosis claims a life on the continent every minute and 23 seconds, with 2.7 million Africans currently living with the disease.

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… As WHO warns of funding crisis

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By Chioma Obinna

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Every 83 seconds, Tuberculosis, TB, continues to exact a devastating toll across Africa, killing one person and infecting millions more, even as health authorities insist the disease can be eliminated with urgent and sustained action.

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In a message to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, the World Health Organisation WHO, Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, revealed that in 2024 alone, tuberculosis claimed 378,000 lives in the region while 2.7 million people fell ill, accounting for about a quarter of the global burden.

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Despite the grim statistics, Janabi said the continent stands at a critical turning point, with new tools, treatments and political commitments offering a real chance to end the disease.

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“Every 83 seconds, tuberculosis claims a life in the WHO African Region. Yet, amidst this crisis lies unprecedented opportunity,” he said.

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Observed under the theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by Communities,” this year’s campaign underscores the importance of strong national leadership, sustained funding and grassroots involvement in tackling the epidemic.

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According to the WHO, measurable progress has already been recorded across the region. Between 2015 and 2024, tuberculosis-related deaths dropped by 46 per cent, while incidence declined by 28 per cent.

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Several countries have also met key global milestones. South Africa reached the 2025 target for reducing TB incidence, while Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia achieved a 75 per cent reduction in TB deaths.

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Health experts attributed these gains to improved access to rapid diagnostic tools and the introduction of shorter, more effective treatments, particularly for drug-resistant tuberculosis.

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A major breakthrough is the six-month all-oral BPaLM regimen, which has recorded success rates exceeding 85 per cent. The African region is currently leading global adoption of the treatment, with uptake among drug-resistant TB patients rising sharply from nearly zero in 2023 to about 40 per cent in 2024 — the fastest globally.

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Janabi noted that these achievements demonstrate that “determined leadership, strengthened health systems and community engagement can deliver measurable results.”

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However, he warned that significant gaps still threaten progress.

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An estimated 600,000 people with tuberculosis in the region remain undiagnosed or untreated each year, while only just over half of patients have access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests.

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The situation is further complicated by the continued spread of drug-resistant TB, with about 62,000 new cases of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis recorded annually.

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Beyond the health impact, the economic burden on affected families remains severe. Nearly 70 per cent of households dealing with tuberculosis face catastrophic costs, the highest proportion globally.

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“These challenges are compounded by insufficient investment,” Janabi said, noting that the African region requires about 4.5 billion dollars annually for a comprehensive response but currently faces a funding shortfall of 3.6 billion dollars.

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He stressed that closing these gaps will depend largely on political will and domestic investment by African governments, in line with commitments made at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis.

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World leaders at the meeting pledged to reach 90 per cent of people affected by TB with prevention and care services, cut TB deaths by 90 per cent, and eliminate catastrophic costs for households by 2027.

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Janabi emphasised that achieving these targets will require integrating TB services into stronger primary health care systems, alongside coordinated, whole-of-government efforts.

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He also highlighted the critical role of communities in driving progress, noting that community health workers, civil society groups and TB survivors are central to finding undetected cases, supporting treatment adherence, and reducing stigma.

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“Their leadership ensures that national commitments translate into real progress for people and families,” he said.

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Reaffirming WHO’s commitment, Janabi said the organisation would continue to support countries through technical guidance, capacity building and partnerships aimed at expanding access to diagnostics, improving treatment and strengthening surveillance systems.

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He called on governments, donors and partners to act decisively.

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“I call on governments to increase domestic investment and accelerate implementation of national TB strategies. I call on partners and donors to help close the critical funding gap. And I call on communities to continue their essential role in reaching vulnerable populations and holding us all accountable,” he said.

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With the right mix of leadership, funding and community action, Janabi maintained that ending tuberculosis in Africa is achievable.

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“Ending TB is within our reach. Yes, we can end TB.”

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