"Yes! We can end Tuberculosis!"

Today we mark World TB Day to raise awareness about the global tuberculosis epidemic and to intensify efforts to eliminate the disease. The theme for 2026 is “Yes! We can end tuberculosis!” – a strong belief that eradicating the disease is achievable, regardless of the tense global context, if we translate policies into concrete actions. Tuberculosis represents one of the most severe challenges to global public health, continuing to be the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Despite being a preventable and treatable disease, its incidence remains alarming, driven by social factors such as poverty, social inequalities and limited access to healthcare services. In the World Health Organization's European region, including countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, the burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is one of the highest in the world, requiring urgent and coordinated action.

Tuberculosis remains a major public health challenge in the Republic of Moldova, with an impact on vulnerable people. According to data provided by the Chiril Draganiuc Institute of Phthisiopneumology, in 2025, 1,734 new cases and relapses of tuberculosis were registered, 10.2% fewer compared to 2024. Mortality from tuberculosis continued to decrease, reaching 4.3 per 100,000 population (124 cases), which represents a reduction of over 57% compared to 2015. Among children, in 2025, 117 new cases of tuberculosis were recorded, corresponding to an incidence of 20.2 per 100,000 population and constituting a decrease compared to 2024. These results show progress in protecting children and in early detection of the disease. Specialists warn that over a quarter of new tuberculosis cases (26.9%) and over a third of retreatment cases (35.9%) are multidrug-resistant forms, which require more effective actions for prevention, early detection and treatment management.

In the context of World Tuberculosis Day, at the country level, a set of activities will be implemented: information campaigns for the general public, including for young people in schools and universities; TB screening and consultations in communities, including in rural areas; information activities under "Minute for TB" topic in medical institutions, a community marathon or a symbolic run; campaigns to combat stigma and support activities for patients; involvement of community leaders and local public authorities in supporting TB services.