The World Health Organization has announced that the African region requires an estimated US$4.5 billion annually to implement a comprehensive tuberculosis response, highlighting a significant funding gap that threatens progress against the disease.
In a message to mark World Tuberculosis Day 2026, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, revealed that current funding remains far below the required level, with a US$3.6 billion shortfall .
“These challenges are compounded by insufficient investment. The African region needs about US$4.5 billion annually to mount a comprehensive TB response. Yet current funding remains far below this level, with a US$3.6 billion shortfall,” Janabi said .
The organization noted that the African region has already made significant progress, with TB deaths declining by 46 percent between 2015 and 2024, while TB incidence has fallen by 28 percent .
Several African countries have reached key global milestones, with South Africa meeting the 2025 target for reducing TB incidence, while Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo and Zambia achieved a 75 percent reduction in TB deaths .
However, major gaps continue to slow progress. An estimated 600,000 people with TB in the African Region are not diagnosed or treated each year. Only just over half of all patients have access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tests, leaving hundreds of thousands undiagnosed or diagnosed too late .
An estimated 62,000 people still develop rifampicin-resistant TB annually, according to the WHO .
Janabi emphasized that families of tuberculosis patients face devastating financial consequences, with nearly 70 percent of households affected by TB experiencing catastrophic costs. The African region accounts for the highest proportion of such cases .
The WHO expressed optimism about recent advances, noting that rapid diagnostic technologies are being scaled up, and shorter, more effective six-month all-oral treatment regimens are transforming outcomes for people with drug-resistant TB .
Between 2023 and 2024, the proportion of drug-resistant patients receiving six-month regimens surged from almost zero to about 40 percent, the fastest adoption rate of any WHO region. The revolutionary six-month all-oral BPaLM regimen has achieved success rates exceeding 85 percent .
“This progress demonstrates that determined leadership, strengthened health systems and community engagement can deliver measurable results,” Janabi said .
The WHO Regional Director issued a series of calls to action for governments, partners, and communities.
“Today, I call on governments to increase domestic investment and accelerate implementation of national TB strategies, in line with the commitments made at the UN High-Level Meeting. I call on partners and donors to help close the critical funding gap and support country-led priorities,” he said .
He also urged communities and civil society to continue their essential role in reaching vulnerable populations and holding all stakeholders accountable .
Janabi reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting member states through technical guidance, capacity strengthening and partnership, pledging to continue working with countries to expand access to rapid diagnostics, accelerate the rollout of improved treatment regimens, strengthen laboratory and surveillance systems, and integrate TB services within primary health care .
“Ending TB is within our reach. With sustained leadership, adequate investment and empowered communities, the African region can end tuberculosis as a public health threat,” he concluded .
