World TB Day being observed to strengthen commitment against tuberculosis

Nepal joins the global community in observing World Tuberculosis (TB) Day today, raising awareness about the world's deadliest infectious disease. This year's theme, "Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver," emphasizes the urgency of eliminating TB and combating drug-resistant strains. TB, a contagious airborne disease primarily affecting the lungs, continues to be a major public health concern in Nepal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nepal recorded 68,000 new TB cases in 2023, with an incidence rate of 229 per 100,000 people and a mortality rate of 54 per 100,000. The National TB Control Center (NTCC) is organizing various awareness programs across the country. In 2023, the National Tuberculosis Program registered 40,776 TB patients, of whom 39% were women and 61% men.



Additionally, 756 cases of drug-resistant TB were reported, according to NTCC Director Dr. Shriram Tiwari. The financial impact of TB remains severe, with 51% of patients and their families experiencing economic hardship, as per the National Tuberculosis Patient Data Survey 2024.

Dr. Tiwari stressed that multi-sectoral collaboration-including the health, education, labor, and social security sectors-is essential to eradicating TB. Free TB treatment is available at 6,241 health institutions, with diagnostic services in 800 and rapid testing in 117 institutions across 67 districts.

Nepal aims to end the TB epidemic by 2030 and achieve a TB-free nation by 2050, the NTCC stated. However, despite ongoing efforts, declining international funding threatens global targets to end TB by 2030..