Africa: World Tuberculosis Day

Every March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated, in memory of the discovery of the bacillus responsible for the disease by Robert Koch in 1882. More than a century later, this infection continues to weigh heavily on health systems, especially in the African continent. Under the theme “Yes we can eradicate tuberculosis”, this World Day serves as a reminder that the battle is far from won.

A real and persistent threat. According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, with millions of new cases reported each year.

In Africa, tuberculosis remains a silent emergency. In a message delivered on Monday, March 23, 2026, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene of Niger, Colonel Garba Hakimi, announced 17,406 cases of tuberculosis, of all forms, were identified in 2025 in Niger, including 13,607 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, the most contagious form, and 298 TB/HIV co-infected cases, amounting to 2%.

In Senegal, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene indicates that in 2025, out of 20,983 expected cases, only 16,158 were detected, leaving 4,825 undiagnosed cases, the main drivers of disease transmission. It also specifies that nearly 480 deaths were recorded.

South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo concentrate a significant portion of global cases. For example, in South Africa, tuberculosis incidence remains one of the highest in the world, exacerbated by co-infection with HIV.

Significant progress in the face of structural vulnerabilities. Despite this concerning picture, significant progress has been made. The introduction of rapid diagnostic tests, the strengthening of national control programs, and improved access to treatments have saved millions of lives.

Innovative initiatives are emerging in several African countries. The use of digital tools and algorithms based on artificial intelligence now allow for accelerated screening, especially through automated analysis of chest X-rays. These technologies offer new perspectives, especially in areas where specialists are scarce.

However, these advancements are still fragile due to persistent obstacles: chronic underfunding, unequal access to care, and stigmatization of patients. In addition, the growing threat of drug-resistant forms complicates further treatment. While technological innovations, particularly artificial intelligence, present promising prospects, they alone are not enough to address structural gaps.