World Tuberculosis Day: Undetected Cases Rise in Europe

March 24, 2026 Nkechi Okonkwo- Health Editor Health

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, observed annually on March 24th, carries a particularly sobering message this year: across Europe, an estimated one in five cases of tuberculosis goes undetected. This shortfall in diagnosis, coupled with rising rates of drug-resistant TB, is hindering progress toward elimination goals, according to a new report jointly released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The Scope of Undiagnosed Cases

The report, published on March 24, 2026, highlights a concerning trend. While overall TB incidence has decreased in the WHO European Region – encompassing 53 countries including those in Europe and Central Asia – by 39% since 2015, and TB-related deaths have fallen by 49%, these declines are insufficient to meet the ambitious targets set by the WHO’s End TB Strategy. The strategy aimed for a 50% reduction in cases and a 75% reduction in deaths by 2025. Within the European Union specifically, cases have decreased by 33% and deaths by 17%, still falling short of the 2030 elimination goals. Which means thousands of preventable infections and deaths continue to occur.

The challenge isn’t simply a matter of fewer cases overall. The significant proportion of undiagnosed cases – roughly 20% – represents a critical gap in public health surveillance and control efforts. This lack of detection not only endangers individuals with TB but as well contributes to ongoing transmission within communities.

Drug Resistance: A Growing Threat

Adding to the complexity, drug-resistant forms of TB are more prevalent in Europe than in many other parts of the world. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) requires longer, more expensive, and often more toxic treatment regimens, making it harder to cure and increasing the risk of further spread. The ECDC’s surveillance data, released alongside the WHO report, provides detailed insights into the patterns of drug resistance across the region. You can locate more information on the ECDC’s tuberculosis surveillance data here.

Understanding Tuberculosis: A Deeper Gaze

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The disease spreads through the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, sings, or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria.

Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough lasting three or more weeks, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Though, symptoms can vary depending on the location of the infection and the individual’s overall health. It’s essential to note that a person can be infected with TB bacteria but not have active disease (latent TB infection). Latent TB is not contagious, but can develop into active TB if the immune system weakens.

Why are Cases Going Undetected?

Several factors contribute to the high rate of undiagnosed TB cases in Europe. These include:

  • Migration patterns: Movement of people from countries with higher TB prevalence can introduce new cases into Europe.
  • Vulnerable populations: Certain groups, such as people experiencing homelessness, incarcerated individuals, and migrants, are at higher risk of TB and may face barriers to accessing healthcare.
  • Limited screening programs: Insufficient targeted screening programs for high-risk populations can lead to missed diagnoses.
  • Non-specific symptoms: The symptoms of TB can be similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing.

The Importance of Investment and Innovation

The WHO emphasizes that ending TB is achievable, but requires a renewed commitment to investment and innovation. The theme of World TB Day 2026 – “Yes! We can end TB!” – underscores this message of hope and possibility. The WHO highlights that every dollar invested in TB control can generate up to USD 43 in economic and health returns.

Key areas for investment include:

  • Strengthening health systems: Improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
  • Developing new diagnostics: Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests are crucial for early detection and treatment. The WHO recently recommended new near-point-of-care TB diagnostic tests to improve access to care.
  • Accelerating research: Continued research is needed to develop new drugs, vaccines, and prevention strategies.
  • Multisectoral collaboration: Addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to TB requires collaboration between health, social welfare, and other sectors.

The WHO’s World TB Day 2026 video message from Dr. Tereza Kasaeva further details these priorities and can be viewed on the WHO website.

What Comes Next: Surveillance and Guidance Updates

The ECDC and WHO are continuing to monitor TB trends in Europe and will update their guidance and recommendations as new evidence emerges. Ongoing surveillance efforts are essential for identifying outbreaks, tracking drug resistance patterns, and evaluating the effectiveness of control measures. Countries are encouraged to protect essential TB services and prevent disruptions, particularly in light of global crises and fiscal pressures. The ultimate goal remains to strengthen health security and eliminate TB as a public health threat. You can find more information about the WHO’s work on tuberculosis here.