The theme of World TB Day 2026 – ‘Yes! We Can Complete TB: Led by countries. Powered by people” is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.
World TB Day, observed annually on March 24, amplifies the urgency of ending tuberculosis—once again the world’s deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social, and economic consequences. Still, ending TB is not just aspirational – it is achievable.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body, including the glands, bones, and, rarely, the brain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, and 1.23 million people died from the disease that same year WHO.
The Global Fight Against TB: Progress and Challenges
While TB was once far more prevalent in many parts of the world, significant progress has been made in reducing its incidence. However, recent global crises and fiscal pressures threaten this progress. The WHO estimates that 83 million lives have been saved since 2000 through TB prevention and treatment WHO.
TB in Ireland: A Recent Increase
TB remains a public health concern in Ireland, despite a significant decline in incidence in recent decades. Notably, TB rates per 100,000 population increased by 32% between 2023 (4.3) and 2024 (5.6). In 2025, rates remained stable (5.5) with 285 people notified with TB in Ireland. As a low-incidence country (<10 cases per 100,000), Ireland aims to achieve the WHO End TB Strategy target of an 80% reduction in TB cases between 2015 and 2030. Achieving this would mean approximately 123 cases diagnosed last year, less than half of the actual 285 cases PAHO/WHO.
To address this, Ireland published its first National TB Strategy, “Striving to End Tuberculosis: A Strategy for Ireland 2024-2030,” outlining a collaborative, multisectoral approach to TB control.
Symptoms of TB
Individuals with TB may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever and night sweats
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Weight loss
- Blood in sputum (phlegm)
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor. It’s important to inform your doctor if you suspect you may have been exposed to TB.
Preventing and Treating TB
TB is both preventable and curable. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to stopping the spread of the disease. The WHO emphasizes the importance of investing in TB as a strategic political and economic decision, noting that every dollar invested can generate up to USD 43 in economic and health returns WHO.
World TB Day 2026: “Yes! We Can End TB”
The 2026 World TB Day theme, “Yes! We can end TB: Led by countries. Powered by people,” underscores the possibility of turning the tide on the TB epidemic. This requires decisive country leadership, increased investment, rapid adoption of latest WHO recommendations, accelerated action, and strong collaboration across sectors.
Resources
For more information about TB, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/2026
For more information about World TB Day, visit: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/2026