Zambia reports up to 8,000 TB deaths annually, urges urgent action to end scourge by 2030

Zambia loses between 5,000 and 8,000 people each year to tuberculosis (TB), a disease that is both preventable and curable, authorities have revealed.

Health Minister Dr. Alex Katakwe said that approximately 58,000 people develop TB annually in Zambia, while globally, about 1.2 million people died from TB in 2024.

Katakwe made the remarks on Tuesday in Lusaka during the commemoration of World TB Day, under the theme: “Yes, We Can End TB: Led by Zambia, Powered by Community.”

“Globally, TB continues to pose a significant public health threat, infecting over 10 million people and remaining one of the leading causes of death,” he said.

He noted that in 2025, the Ministry of Health diagnosed and treated nearly 52,000 individuals, leaving an estimated 6,000 people with TB undiagnosed or untreated in communities, continuing to transmit the disease.

“What makes this especially tragic is that TB screening and treatment services are readily available, free of charge, in all our health facilities. It is therefore critical that individuals seek screening and care promptly,” Katakwe said.

The Minister emphasized that ending TB was a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, communities, and citizens.

“Despite setbacks brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other health challenges, Zambia remains on course to achieve its goal of ending TB by 2030,” he said, adding that the government has made notable progress in reducing new infections and TB-related deaths.

Katakwe noted, however, that Zambia has not yet reached its target of fewer than 10 TB cases per 100,000 people and zero deaths.

He urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment and invest resources toward combating the disease, emphasizing that TB risk is higher among people living with HIV, diabetes, malnutrition, and those who misuse alcohol or tobacco. Overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments further increase transmission.

“Simple but meaningful lifestyle changes can save lives. Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves and their communities,” he said.

Katakwe reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ending TB by 2030, highlighting investments to ensure free, accessible screening and treatment services. He invited stakeholders, including local investors and international partners, to support sustainable financing for TB programmes.

“Let me express my sincere appreciation to our cooperating partners, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the United States Government, the World Health Organization, the Japanese Anti-TB Association, and the World Bank, among others, for their unwavering support,” he said.

He also commended the Church Health Association of Zambia, implementing partners, civil society organisations, community volunteers, healthcare workers, TB survivors, and all affected by TB for their dedication.

Katakwe assured that the Ministry would continue to provide strong leadership and foster collaboration, noting that partnerships were crucial for resource mobilization and accelerating progress in TB control.

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