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The World Health Organization has called for faster, country-led action to combat tuberculosis (TB) in the Western Pacific region, urging governments to strengthen healthcare systems and expand access to diagnosis and treatment.
The WHO regional office said transforming TB care, decentralizing services, and scaling up innovation are essential steps to fight one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. On the eve of World TB Day, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Saia Ma’u Piukala emphasized the importance of bringing TB services closer to communities and expanding access to new diagnostic tools in an environment free from stigma.
He said integrating TB services into primary healthcare systems helps improve early detection, reduce treatment delays, and prevent transmission, while ensuring vulnerable populations are not left behind.
According to WHO data, around 2.9 million people were affected by tuberculosis across the Western Pacific region in 2024. However, stagnant funding, smoking, undernutrition, alcohol use, diabetes, and other health priorities continue to challenge TB control efforts.
The WHO also stressed that sustained domestic investment and expanded testing technologies are crucial to strengthening health security and combating tuberculosis effectively.