World Tuberculosis Day 2026

This statement is jointly released by Global Fund Advocates Network Asia-Pacific (GFAN AP), Activists’ Coalition on TB – Asia-Pacific (ACT! AP), Global Coalition of TB Advocates (GCTA), TBPeople, Younite Global, and Seven Alliance (a consortium of Asia-Pacific networks: APCOM, APN+, APNSW, APTN, ICWAP, NAPUD, Youth LEAD) in conjunction with World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026.

On 24 March 2026, the world observes World TB Day with the theme “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people”, an affirmation that with decisive country leadership, renewed investments in health, and strong commitments to innovation, action, and collaboration especially with TB survivors and affected communities — we will achieve TB elimination for good.

We have the tools to cure and prevent TB, yet it remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease. In 2024, 10.7 million people fell ill with active TB and 1.23 million people died of TB. TB continues to be a serious public health threat in the Asia Pacific, which bears over two-thirds of the global TB burden and accounts for the top five countries most affected by the TB epidemic. TB is also the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, who are 12 times more vulnerable to serious TB infection than HIV-negative persons. Furthermore, drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) is a growing, urgent, and deadly concern due to challenges in diagnosis and treatment, with Asia Pacific accounting for 67% of the 394,000 people who fell ill in 2024.

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