Accelerating TB Control in Ethiopia: A Call for Multisectoral Action

Strategic Insights -

As the global community marks World Tuberculosis Day, Ethiopia commemorated the occasion with a focus on accelerating TB control through a multisectoral approach. Despite significant advances, TB remains a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, with an estimated 146 cases per 100,000 population and 8.3% of TB patients co-infected with HIV. The country has adopted the WHO's End TB Strategy, which aims to eliminate TB by 2035, but faces a 60% funding gap in its TB response.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ethiopia has an estimated 146 cases of TB per 100,000 population, with 8.3% of TB patients co-infected with HIV.
  • Treatment coverage for new TB and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases stands at approximately 72% and 31%, respectively.
  • One third of all estimated TB cases and two thirds of MDR-TB cases still lack access to quality care.
  • Ethiopia's National TB Research Advisory Council (TRAC) was established in 2001 to provide technical guidance to the National Tuberculosis Programme and the Federal Ministry of Health.
  • The Multisectoral Accountability Framework for TB (MAF-TB) was launched two years ago, but its implementation remains a challenge.
  • There is a 60% funding gap in Ethiopia's TB response, as reported in the 2024 Global TB Report.
  • The country has scaled up the use of WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tools, now exceeding 900 units nationwide.
  • The Government of Ethiopia has recognized the achievements of the national TB programme and has announced plans to reinforce the MAF-TB to drive coordinated, multisectoral efforts.

Statistics:

  • Estimated TB incidence: 146 per 100,000 population (2024 WHO Global TB Report).
  • Percentage of TB patients with HIV co-infection: 8.3%.
  • Treatment coverage for new TB cases: 72%.
  • Treatment coverage for MDR-TB cases: 31%.
  • Funding gap in Ethiopia's TB response: 60% (2024 Global TB Report).

Sources:

  • "Yes! We Can End TB! Commit, Invest, Deliver!" - World Health Organization (WHO) Calls for Accelerated Implementation of the Multisectoral Accountability Framework for the Tuberculosis (TB) Response.
  • "Tuberculosis Research Advisory Council (TRAC) Conference" - Ethiopia commemorated World TB Day on 23 March 2025.
  • "2024 WHO Global TB Report" - Global Tuberculosis Report.
  • M2 PRESSWIRE-May 9, 2025-.
  • WHO Global TB Programme (GTP).
  • World Health Organization (WHO) - Ethiopia.