On the occasion of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2025, Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia, expressed optimism and a renewed call to action in the global fight to end TB. Celebrated every year on March 24, World TB Day commemorates the discovery of the tuberculosis-causing bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882, serving as a critical reminder of the ongoing battle against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
Key Highlights:
With the 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” WHO emphasized the need for a united global response to accelerate progress, reaffirming its support to all Member States and partners committed to the cause.
A Heavy Burden in South-East Asia
Wazed drew particular attention to the burden borne by countries in the South-East Asia region, which accounted for over 45 per cent of global TB cases in 2023 and nearly half of all TB-related deaths that year. While progress has been made, she noted the deep economic impact, with 30% to 80% of affected households facing catastrophic health expenses due to TB.
Despite these challenges, the region achieved notable progress in the post-COVID-19 era:
- Over 3.8 million TB cases (new and relapse) were notified in 2023
- An 89% treatment success rate was achieved for those who began treatment in 2022
- Missed TB cases dropped to 22% in 2023, compared to 44% in 2020
- Nearly 1.5 million people received TB preventive treatment
Challenges in Diagnosis and Funding
Wazed also acknowledged several persisting challenges in the region, especially the decline in financial resources from international partners and donors.
“Several of our countries are rolling out newer diagnostics and drug regimens, including for drug-resistant TB—but this is impacted by resource reductions,” she explained.
She stressed the importance of holistic approaches that integrate not only medical treatment but also social support systems for TB patients.
Call for Greater Investment and Collaboration
According to Wazed, tuberculosis cannot be tackled in silos. She emphasized the need for increased investment and multisectoral collaboration, involving:
- Other UN agencies
- WHO Collaborating Centres
- Research organizations
- Private sector engagement
A strong pitch was made for South-South collaboration, calling for regional sharing of technologies, strategies, and innovations to improve TB prevention, detection, and treatment efforts across diverse settings.
The Role of Communities in Ending TB
Highlighting the essential role of community involvement, Wazed said,
“The core strength in national programmes is the communities that we serve.”
She stressed that community engagement must span all levels—from planning and monitoring services to tackling stigma and discrimination.
“Equity in TB service access can only be achieved if we meaningfully involve those most affected,” she added.
As World TB Day 2025 is observed, Saima Wazed’s message underscores a critical truth: ending TB is possible, but only through global solidarity, adequate funding, and empowered communities. With Southeast Asia carrying a significant share of the burden, continued focus, innovation, and inclusive strategies are essential to make TB a disease of the past.
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