South-East Asia Makes Strides Against TB, But Faces Funding Challenges

On World Tuberculosis Day, marked annually on March 24th, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, Saima Wazed, highlighted the region’s progress in combating tuberculosis (TB) while emphasizing the critical need for sustained commitment and investment.

The theme for World TB Day 2025, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” underscores the urgency of addressing this global health crisis. Wazed pointed out the devastating impact of TB, extending beyond health to impose severe financial burdens on families. In South-East Asia, a staggering 30% to 80% of TB-affected households face catastrophic costs.

In 2023, the region accounted for over 45% of new TB cases globally and approximately half of the estimated TB deaths. Despite these alarming figures, the region has demonstrated commendable progress in the post-COVID-19 era. More than 3.8 million people with new and relapse TB cases were notified across the region in 2023. Treatment success rates reached 89% for those who started treatment in 2022. The number of missed TB cases significantly reduced to 22% in 2023, down from 44% in 2020. Furthermore, nearly 1.5 million people received TB preventive treatment.

However, significant challenges remain, particularly the dwindling resources from partners and major donors. This resource reduction is impacting the rollout of newer diagnostics and drugs, including the newer regimen for drug-resistant TB, in several countries.

Wazed outlined a clear path forward, emphasizing the need for:

• Greater investments: A holistic approach to TB, including social support for patients, is crucial.
• Strengthened partnerships: Collaboration with UN agencies, WHO Collaborating Centres, research organizations, and the private sector is essential.
• Stronger South-South collaboration: Sharing expertise and innovations in TB prevention, detection, and treatment is vital.
• Community engagement: Involving communities in planning, monitoring, and addressing stigma is critical for equitable access to TB services.

World Tuberculosis Day commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of the bacterium that causes TB. The WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all member states in the fight against TB.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided by the WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia. The data and statistics presented are as provided in the source material. Readers should consult with healthcare professionals and official WHO resources for comprehensive and up-to-date information on tuberculosis.