On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific Region calls for accelerated, country-led action to transform TB care, decentralize services and scale up innovation to end one of the deadliest infectious killers in the Region and around the world.
Under the global theme “Yes! We can End TB!”, the Region emphasizes that ending TB is achievable – if countries act now to strengthen primary health care, expand rapid diagnostic tools and protect hard-won gains.
In 2024, an estimated 2.9 million people were affected by TB across the Western Pacific Region, with Indonesia, the Philippines and China among the world’s top five high-burden countries. Recent progress shows improvement is possible through expanded access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics, increased uptake of shorter all-oral regimens for drug-resistant TB and more people at high risk receiving TB preventive treatment. But stagnant funding, persistent risk factors (including smoking, undernutrition, alcohol use and diabetes) and competing health priorities threaten essential TB services.
“Ending TB in the Western Pacific Region is achievable – if we transform care, decentralize services, and act with ever greater urgency,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Bringing TB services closer to communities and rapidly expanding access to new diagnostic tools, in an environment free of stigma, are essential to reaching everyone in need.”
Transforming care to reach communities
Integrated TB services at the primary health-care level improve early detection, reduce delays in treatment and prevent transmission. Delivering stigma-free, people-centred care strengthens health systems and ensures vulnerable populations are not left behind.
WHO urges countries to accelerate the rollout of WHO-recommended near-point-of-care molecular tests, which detect TB – including drug-resistant TB – more quickly and accurately.
Investing to protect progress
Ending TB is a strategic political and economic decision. Evidence shows that every dollar invested in TB can generate up to US$ 43 in health and economic returns.
Sustained domestic investment is essential to protect gains and strengthen health security across the Region.
“The evidence is clear. We know what needs to be done,” said Dr Huong Tran, WHO Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control in the Western Pacific. “WHO calls on governments, health workers, civil society and communities to sustain political commitment, empower health workers, combat stigma and ensure essential TB services remain accessible and resilient.
“Yes! We can End TB – if we transform care and act now!”
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For more information, please contact: wprocom@who.int.