World TB Day observed with awareness programmes across Nepal

Kathmandu, March 24: World TB Day is being observed worldwide today, including in Nepal, through various awareness programmes. The Ministry of Health and Population and health institutions are organizing events to inform the public about tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control.

Under its National Strategic Plan to End Tuberculosis, Nepal has set clear targets. The country aims to reduce the TB incidence rate from 238 per 100,000 population in 2020/21 to 81 per 100,000 population by 2025/26. Similarly, it plans to lower the mortality rate from 58 to 23 per 100,000 population. Nepal has also committed to ending TB by 2035 and preventing it by 2050, while working to eliminate catastrophic costs for affected families.

This year’s World TB Day 2026 is being observed under the theme “Yes! We can end TB!”, highlighting renewed global commitment and optimism in tackling the disease. The World Health Organization has described the theme as a strong call for action, emphasizing that progress can be accelerated even amid global challenges.

According to the WHO, around 83 million lives have been saved worldwide since 2000 through TB treatment. However, the disease remains a major public health concern, with 10.7 million people falling ill and 1.23 million deaths reported in 2024. In Nepal, about 67,000 TB cases were recorded in the same year.