Ethiopia marks World TB Day 2026 with renewed commitment to End Tuberculosis

Ethiopia commemorated World TB Day 2026 from 27-29 March 2026 through a three-day national event, bringing together government leaders, researchers, partners, civil society organizations, and TB-affected communities to accelerate action to end tuberculosis (TB)

This year's commemoration, held under the theme "Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people," featured the National Tuberculosis Research Conference organized by the Oromia Regional Health Bureau in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute.

The first two days focused on research presentations, knowledge sharing, and recognition of outstanding contributions to TB control over the past 25 years through the TB Research Advisory Council (TRAC).

Opening the conference, Dr Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health, reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment:

"Ending TB is both a public health priority and a national responsibility. We are strengthening domestic financing, expanding access to quality TB services, and working with partners to ensure no Ethiopian is left behind."

Dr. Dereje highlighted the importance of strengthening primary health care, increasing community resilience, and leveraging innovation and digital solutions to accelerate progress.

Prof Netsanet Workneh, Head of the Oromia Regional Health Bureau, emphasized the urgency of intensified efforts:

"TB services must reach every community. By expanding access, reducing stigma, and strengthening community engagement, we can detect cases earlier and save more lives."

Prof Afework Kasu, Chairman of TRAC, underscored the role of research:

"Ending TB is possible. This platform not only showcases evidence but renews our collective commitment to translate research into action."

Dr Mesay Hailu, Director General of EPHI, recognized TRAC's Silver Jubilee and highlighted future priorities, including strengthening TB surveillance, gene sequencing, and research and innovation.

The World Health Organization Ethiopia actively participated across all events. WHO moderated key sessions on:

• TB research in Ethiopia over the past 25 years
• TB elimination strategies
• TB vaccine development and its potential impact

WHO also contributed to discussions on translating evidence into policy and strengthening program implementation.

In a statement, Dr Francis Kasolo, WHO Representative to Ethiopia, highlighted:

"Ethiopia has demonstrated strong government commitment in the fight against tuberculosis. Moving forward, sustained collaboration among partners, academia, and research institutions is essential to mobilize resources, advance innovation, and translate research into policy and programme impact."

He further highlighted five priority areas: greater investment, accelerated innovation, strengthened multisectoral action, patient-centered care, and resilient health systems.

The three-day observance concluded with an official World TB Day 2026 commemoration in Sululta town, Sheger City, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, civil society, and TB-affected communities. Remarks were also delivered by:

• Workesemu Mamo (Ethiopian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) currently serving as the Chair of the House of People's Representatives' Standing Committee on Health, Social Development, Culture, and Sport),
• Dr Bejoy Nambiar (Health Policy and Systems Advisor and Team Lead- Health Systems, Healthier Populations World Health Organization Ethiopia)
• Mr Alemayehu Tefera, TB Goodwill ambassador for Ethiopia
• Professor Netsanet Workeneh, head of Oromia Regional health Bureau
• Dr Teshome Adugna (Mayor of Shaggar City in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia)

Representatives from partners such as German Leprosy and TB Relief Agency (GLRA), Reach Ethiopia, and TB-affected communities also participated.

Powerful testimonies from TB survivors highlighted persistent challenges, including stigma, delayed care-seeking, and barriers to accessing quality services, while also showcasing the impact of expanded treatment-particularly for drug-resistant TB.

TRAC awards were presented to individuals, institutions, health facilities, and regional health bureaus for their contributions to TB control.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dr Fekadeselassie Mikru (WHO National Professional Officer), a pioneer in Ethiopia's TB response, recognized for his decades-long contribution spanning clinical care, program implementation, and technical leadership.

According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases, with over 10 million people falling ill and 1.3 million deaths globally in 2024.

Ethiopia has made significant progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality over the past decade. However, the burden remains high, with:

• Estimated 186,000 new TB cases annually by 2024
• In 2024 an estimated 2,500 drug-resistant TB (RR/DR) cases each year
• According to sub national studies in Ethiopia about 53% of TB-affected households facing catastrophic costs

The country continues to scale up WHO recommended tools, including rapid molecular diagnostics, shorter treatment regimens, and AI-powered digital X-ray technologies for TB screening and triage.

TB is preventable and curable-yet it continues to affect the most vulnerable.

The World Health Organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia in accelerating progress toward TB elimination.