Official Statement on World Tuberculosis Day

 H.E. Amb. Amma A. Twum-Amoah - Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development,

African Union ‎Commission

24 March 2025

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Today, on World Tuberculosis Day, the African Union (AU) Commission joins the AU member states and partners globally to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending tuberculosis (TB) in Africa and ensuring that combatting this preventable and curable disease remains a continental priority.

This year’s theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” serves as a call to action for bold leadership, sustained investments and concrete actions to eliminate TB, particularly among the most vulnerable populations. Despite the progress made, TB remains one of Africa’s deadliest infectious diseases, disproportionately affecting women, youth and marginalised communities. The slow decline in TB incidence rates is exacerbated by poverty, stigma and limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment. Thus, more remains to be done to close gaps in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Emerging challenges such as drug-resistant TB, fragile health systems and humanitarian crises undermines our efforts to meet global and continental TB targets.

The Africa Health Strategy (2016–2030) and the AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond: Sustaining the AIDS Response, Ensuring Systems Strengthening and Health Security for the Development of Africa provides a strategic framework for addressing TB. The AU and its member states remain steadfast in ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against infectious diseases through the Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, TB and Malaria by 2030.

Achieving our vision for a self-reliant and prosperous Africa, as outlined in AU Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, requires strong political will, increased domestic financing and the integration of TB services into broader national health and social protection frameworks. Women, youth and underserved communities must be actively involved in shaping policies and interventions that reflect their realities and needs.

In our guest to bridging care gaps, combatting misinformation and dismantling stigma, we must invest in education, enhance communication, and intensify advocacy. Public awareness campaigns, tailored to diverse linguistic, cultural and socio-economic contexts, can promote early diagnosis, improve treatment adherence and encourage health-seeking behaviour. Strengthening collaborations with civil society, traditional leaders and the media will ensure that TB messages reach the most remote communities. Digital platforms, storytelling and youth-led advocacy networks provide innovative avenues to amplify voices, mobilise communities and influence policy to drive meaningful change in Africa.

Governments must prioritise social protection for TB-affected families, compensate individuals exposed to TB in public occupational settings and eliminate discriminatory policies in employment, education and healthcare. The 2025 AU Theme of the Year on Reparations serves as a reminder that reparative justice is essential in addressing the structural inequities that perpetuate the disease burden in Africa. On this note, ensuring that TB patients receive quality care, legal protections and economic opportunities is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and disease.

Furthermore, the operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) presents a unique opportunity to strengthen Africa’s health security by facilitating the development, regulation and accessibility of new diagnostic tools, efficacious medicines and treatment options for TB and other infectious diseases towards improving access to life-saving interventions across the continent.

The fight against TB is a collective responsibility and as we observe World TB Day, let this be a moment of a call to action for renewed commitment, increased investments and the tangible delivery of TB services that prioritise the most vulnerable. Together, through unified action and sustained investment, we can ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving care and support.

The AU Commission remains resolute in translating our commitments into action, working alongside member states, partners and communities to achieve a future free from the burden of TB.

I thank you.