The World Health Assembly has approved the development of a new global tuberculosis (TB) strategy extending beyond 2030, as member states push to sustain momentum against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
The resolution calls on the World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, to lead consultations ahead of a draft strategy to be presented at the 81st World Health Assembly in 2028.
According to WHO, the new framework will build on scientific advances and evolving global health needs, while strengthening integration of TB programmes with primary healthcare and universal health coverage systems.
The agency noted that despite significant progress, including an estimated 83 million lives saved between 2000 and 2024, tuberculosis remains a major global health threat, worsened by inequality, conflict, displacement, and funding gaps.
WHO also highlighted that 2024 recorded the first post-pandemic decline in TB infections and improved access to services, but warned that global targets under the End TB Strategy are still off track.
The new strategy is expected to support preparations for the 2028 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB and help maintain political and financial commitment beyond the Sustainable Development Goals deadline.
Health delegates also adopted additional resolutions addressing rising noncommunicable diseases, including Steatotic Liver Disease, and urged stronger global action on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment gaps in bleeding disorders.
WHO further warned that misinformation remains a growing threat to public health and called for stronger multi-sector collaboration to safeguard health systems worldwide.
