Yes! We can end TB: Transform care. Accelerate innovation. Protect progress.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious killers in the Western Pacific Region. In 2024, an estimated 2.9 million people were affected by TB with more than 100 000 lives lost. Progress is possible – but gains remain fragile.

Under the global World TB Day theme “Yes! We can End TB!”, the Western Pacific Region calls for urgent, country-led action to transform care, decentralize services and accelerate innovation. 

Transform care. Bring services closer. 

Integrated TB services at the primary health care level are essential to reaching more people earlier. 

Across the Western Pacific Region, countries are strengthening people‑centred TB care by integrating services into primary health care and communities. China’s expansion of TB preventive treatment (TPT) within routine services and Viet Nam’s collaboration with civil society to deliver stigma‑free, rights‑based care show that transforming TB care requires prevention, inclusion and dignity alongside access.

Decentralized, people-centred TB care means:

• Services closer to communities
• Stigma-free and rights-based care
• Stronger engagement of civil society and affected communities 

Accelerate innovation 

Rapid molecular tests recommended by WHO can detect TB – including drug-resistant TB – earlier and more accurately. 

Innovation is accelerating progress against TB when embedded in routine services. In Cambodia, digital chest X‑ray combined with rapid molecular testing is improving early detection, while in the Philippines, portable diagnostics and mobile screening are enabling faster diagnosis for people in remote and hard‑to‑reach communities. 

Scaling near-point-of-care diagnostics can:

• Close access gaps
• Reduce delays in treatment
• Prevent transmission

Invest to protect progress

Ending TB is a strategic political and economic choice. Every US$ 1 invested in TB can generate up to US$ 43 in health and economic returns.

Sustained domestic investment is critical to protect hard-won gains and strengthen health security. 

Indonesia’s presidential‑level leadership and Mongolia’s continued investment in primary health care and system strengthening demonstrate that progress against TB remains fragile without reliable, long‑term investment. 

Empower health workers 

Health workers are the backbone of resilient TB services across the Region. In Papua New Guinea, strengthening the capacity and safety of primary and community health workers is critical to sustaining care in remote settings, while in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Village Health Volunteers are central to linking communities with TB education, referral and treatment support. 

Through the WHO Academy, countries in the Western Pacific Region – including Pacific Island countries, where health workers access WHO Academy courses online – are strengthening skills and competencies through accessible, high‑quality learning that supports continuous professional development and aligns with regional workforce strategies. 

WHO Academy TB courses support providers to: 

• Integrate TB into routine care
• Deliver stigma-free services
• Apply the latest WHO recommendations 

Call to action

Governments, health workers, civil society and communities all have a role to play.

To end TB in the Western Pacific Region, we must:

• Sustain political commitment
• Scale innovation
• Deliver decentralized care
• Ensure adequate training of health workers
• Combat stigma
• Become TB advocates

Yes! We can End TB – if we transform care and act now.

World TB Day 2026 Online Talk Show – 18 March 2026

WHO is convening a high-level Virtual Talk Show to commemorate World TB Day, under the 2026 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by countries, powered by people”, on 18 March at 13:30-16:00 CET (20:30-23:00 Manila time).

The event will deliver a strong message of hope and urgency, that ending TB is achievable, even in today’s challenging global environment – if backed by leadership, investment, solidarity and decisive action. 

This high-level dialogue will bring together Ministers of Health, senior government representatives, WHO leadership, heads of agencies, TB survivors, civil society leaders, partners and affected communities – to galvanize country-led leadership and drive bold, coordinated action across sectors. 

During the event, WHO will also issue a Call to Action urging Member States and partners to fast-track the rollout of the first-ever WHO-recommended near point-of-care diagnostic tests for TB – an essential step toward early detection and universal health coverage. 

The event will take place in an interactive talk-show format, with speakers joining virtually from around the world. It will be broadcast live and feature real-time audience engagement through an online Q&A – ensuring a dynamic, inclusive and action-oriented global conversation.

Virtual connection link: https://who.zoom.us/j/91385263246

Password: WTBD2026!