WHO calls for strong action to end TB in the Western Pacific

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries in the Western Pacific Region to take decisive action to end tuberculosis (TB), marking World TB Day on March 24, 2025. The call comes as the region faces 1.9 million new TB cases and 95,000 deaths in 2023, highlighting the need for investments in tuberculosis prevention and treatment. The WHO emphasised that delays in diagnosis and gaps in care can have devastating consequences, particularly in underserved communities. The ‘Western Pacific Regional Framework to End TB (2021-2030)’ provides a framework for strengthening health systems, improving surveillance, and expanding access to modern diagnostic tools. This initiative has been launched to accelerate the elimination of tuberculosis, addressing barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and lack of sustainable funding. The WHO emphasised that every missed TB case represents a lost opportunity to save a life, urging governments to translate commitments into actions, ensuring timely, high-quality diagnosis and care for all.