Ministry of Public Health Intensifies Efforts to End Tuberculosis by 2035, Targeting 95% Reduction in Mortality and 90% Drop in New Cases

Dr.Opas Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, presided over the opening ceremony at Centara Life Government Complex Hotel & Convention Centre, Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok. He also presented "Diamond-Level" QTB (Quality Tuberculosis Care) Awards to outstanding hospitals for excellence in TB care and services.

The event was attended by over 500 participants including key public health officials and partners, such as Professor Emeritus Dr. Songkram Subcharoen, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Anti-Tuberculosis Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage; Dr.Teerakiat Jareonsettasin, Advisor to the Association, former Minister of Education, and former Senator; Dr. Phanumas Yanavetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control; and Dr. Richard Brown, WHO Representative to Thailand.

Dr. Opas highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Stop TB Partnership have declared March 24 as World TB Day to raise global awareness of tuberculosis, which remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases. According to the WHO Global TB Report 2024, there were over 10.8 million new TB cases and approximately 1.3 million TB-related deaths worldwide in 2023.

In Thailand, around 113,000 new TB cases and more than 13,000 deaths were reported in 2024, marking TB as a serious public health challenge. In response, the Ministry of Public Health is implementing a national strategic action plan to end TB, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and WHO's End TB Strategy.

The Ministry has adopted a multi-pronged approach including proactive case finding in high-risk populations, rapid diagnosis, continuous treatment, and effective prevention. These efforts are supported by the nationwide TB service plan, enhanced access to care, shortened treatment regimens per WHO recommendations, and the integration of modern diagnostic technologies.

"Thanks to the collaboration with both public and private sector partners, we've been able to improve access to TB care, update drug regimens for shorter treatment duration, and apply innovative technologies for screening and diagnosis," Dr. Opas said.

Dr. Phanumas Yanavetsakul stated that the Department of Disease Control is implementing the national action plan with four strategic focuses:

1. Accelerated case detection and diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB among all risk groups
2. Improved treatment and care for TB and drug-resistant TB patients
3. Increased access to diagnosis and treatment of latent TB infection, and enhanced prevention of transmission
4. Strengthened systems and infrastructure supporting TB operations

He emphasized that this year's conference is a vital opportunity for experts and stakeholders to present research findings, innovative solutions, and academic contributions to TB control efforts. The conference is held under the slogan "Join together and move forwards - Ending TB: 2025" and the campaign message "Yes! We Can End TB."

The campaign calls on the public—especially high-risk individuals and those with known TB exposure—to get screened at least once a year, or immediately upon showing symptoms. Early detection leads to prompt treatment, reducing transmission risk. The campaign also encourages empathy and eliminates stigma with the message: "Early detection, complete cure, stop the spread, no discrimination."

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