World TB Day 2025: Strengthening Global Commitment to End Tuberculosis
On March 24, 2025, the world will come together to observe World TB Day, an event dedicated to amplifying efforts to end tuberculosis (TB), the deadliest infectious disease globally. With the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” this year’s observance focuses on the urgent need for stronger commitment at all levels to eliminate TB, especially in the face of growing drug-resistant strains.
TB continues to impact millions of lives, causing devastating health, social, and economic consequences. The disease remains a significant global health threat, with TB cases continuing to rise, particularly in regions where access to treatment and prevention measures is limited. The theme for World TB Day 2025 emphasizes the critical role of increased investments and collaborative efforts to address the ongoing TB epidemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that declining international funding for TB in the current geopolitical climate could jeopardize efforts to achieve the global target of ending TB by 2030. Drug-resistant TB poses a growing threat, with the WHO European Region bearing a disproportionate burden. In 2023, more than 170,000 new TB cases were reported in the region, accounting for only 2.1% of the global TB burden. However, the region is severely affected by drug-resistant forms of TB, with 21% of global multidrug-resistant TB cases and 37% of pre-extensively drug-resistant TB cases reported.
To mark this year’s World TB Day, WHO/Europe and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) will host a webinar on March 19, 2025. The webinar will provide insights into the upcoming 2025 TB Surveillance Report for Europe, set to be launched on World TB Day. It will also discuss the critical progress needed in the coming years to achieve the goal of ending TB in the region.
The World TB Day webinar will serve as an essential platform for stakeholders to unite in their efforts to tackle TB, share best practices, and strengthen the commitment to combat drug-resistant TB. It’s an opportunity to ensure that TB elimination remains a top priority for governments, organizations, and the global community.
To participate in the webinar, registration is available through the provided link.
