The AU Commission, under the leadership of the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development held a commemoration event at the AU Commission HQ under the theme “Yes! We can end TB” to commemorate the 2024 WTBD in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), and the Stop TB Partnership on Friday 22 March from 09.00 am to 12.00 pm (Addis time).

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health challenge globally resulting in an estimated 1.30 million deaths with about 11% of those deaths occurring among children. Africa accounts for 23% of the estimated global TB burden and over 33% of global TB deaths. It is thus paramount for African Union (AU) Member States to commemorate World Tuberculosis Day (WTBD) to raise awareness on TB prevention and control, but also to reaffirm our commitment as a continent to the fight against TB - a disease that continues to impact millions of lives for decades across our continent. In 2024, WTBD will be commemorated under the theme, “Yes! We can end TB.”

Research into new vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics continues to progress, offering promising avenues for more effective TB control. Additionally, some bold policies and strategies emphasize integrated, patient-centered care and prevention such as the AU Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB, and Malaria by 2030. The Africa Health Strategy (2016-2030) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development also have strategic objectives for disease elimination, which include ending TB by 2030 in Africa. Ending TB is possible and achievable in our lifetimes given the availability of vaccines, access to diagnostics, and better treatment. The Political Declaration of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) High-level Meeting on the Fight Against Tuberculosis contains the most ambitious targets to date in the fight against TB. It is envisioned that if countries follow through on their commitments, the world will be on track to ending TB by 2030 and providing life-saving treatment for 45 million people between 2023 and 2027.

“Today, we convene at a pivotal moment in history, where we have emerging innovations around digital health technologies, shorter TB treatment regimens, and vaccine research to end TB in Africa. We also have bold policies and strategies including the AU Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB, and Malaria by 2030, the Africa Health Strategy (2016-2030), the Digital Health Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that emphasize on integrated, patient-centred care and prevention as strategic approaches to disease elimination which include ending TB by 2030 in Africa. As we strive towards achieving the goals we have committed to, we must work together with communities and empower them with resources to prevent, detect, and treat tuberculosis effectively. This is key to attaining the AU Agenda 2063 vision of a healthy, prosperous population. Today, I call upon all stakeholders – governments, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and individuals alike – to invest our domestic resources into strengthening health systems as premised in the 2001 Abuja Declaration and AU Assembly Decision on ALM Investing in Health,” stated H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, AU Commission

“Africa faces several challenges in TB prevention and control including drug resistance, co-infection of HIV and persistent stigma and discrimination, but there is hope - progress is being made. Treatment outcomes are improving, with more patients are successfully completing their regimens. Africa has reduced TB incidence by 23% achieving a significant milestone in the End TB Strategy. Thanks to ongoing research, new diagnostics tools, drugs, and vaccines are being developed to combat TB. Africa CDC is leading the charge on TB prevention and control from developing strategic priorities aligned with global frameworks to advocacy efforts like commemorating World TB Days. Africa CDC is dedicated to TB prevention and control, but we cannot do it alone! The theme, “Yes, We can end TB” underlines the global commitment to ending the TB epidemic. The theme also reflects the collective effort of governments, health organisations and communities to end the TB epidemic by 2030. Join us in the fight against TB,” reiterated H.E. Dr Jean Kaseya, Director-General, Africa CDC.

“I have no doubt that my statement will raise eyebrows, but I am confidently saying that the African region can lead the way in ending TB as multiple ingredients are in place: high-level leadership from several TB high-burden countries with three Heads of State part of the Coalition to End TB, vision and strong drive from the AU, the engagement of Africa CDC as well as the support of financing and multiple technical partners combined with a vibrant and growing civil society and TB survivors movement and increasingly better outcomes of the national and subnational TB responses. But there is one ingredient missing: the funding is insufficient and is not aligned with the ambition. This is why we, from Stop TB Partnership, will strengthen our partnership with the AU and our regional partners and we will focus our efforts in 2024 and 2025 to increase the domestic and international funding for TB response in the African region. We believe in the region, and we believe that Yes! We can end TB! Together!!” reaffirmed Dr. Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership.

“The global health community must address the persistent gaps in the response to end childhood TB and malnutrition. By integrating TB care into existing healthcare services that many children access such as nutrition programs, we can better detect and treat TB, avert preventable deaths, and strengthen health systems. Governments must act on the commitments of Member States in the 2022 Call to Action by Ministers of Health on Childhood TB and Nutrition and follow the recommendations set forth in the Roadmap Towards Ending TB in Children and Adolescents to End Childhood TB. Taking these steps will fulfil the pledges made in the Political Declaration on the HLM on the Fight against TB and save the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable children from the devastation of TB.” stated Chip Lyons, CEO and President, EGPAF. 

The event brought together Ambassadors and/or Permanent Representatives to the African Union, Special Missions to the AU, Specialized Organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), UN Agencies, Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and other stakeholders involved in the TB response and strengthening of health systems across the continent.

The perspectives and experiences of delegates in attendance will be compiled into a report available for all AU Member States after the session.

For further media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Inas Mubarak | Head of Health Systems, Diseases and Nutrition Division, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission| E-mail: Abbasl@africa-union.org
2. Ms. Whitney Mwangi | Health Policy Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | E-mail: WhitneyM@africa-union.org
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org
4. Communication and Public Information | Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention | E-mail:Communications@africacdc.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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