WHO Rolls Out Faster TB Diagnosis Tools on World TB Day 2026

World Health Organization is marking World TB Day 2026 by calling on countries to scale up TB diagnosis tools, including faster, low-cost tests that can be used close to patients.

These new tools aim to detect tuberculosis earlier, start treatment quicker, and reduce transmission of one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

The latest WHO guidelines introduce point-of-care TB tests that are portable, battery-powered, and deliver results in under an hour. Priced at less than half the cost of many existing molecular diagnostics, these tools are designed to reach more people, especially in areas with limited lab access. By bringing testing closer to where patients seek care, health systems can cut delays that often worsen outcomes.

"These new tools could be truly transformative for tuberculosis, by bringing fast, accurate diagnosis closer to people, saving lives, curbing transmission and reducing costs," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "WHO calls on all countries to scale up access to these and other tools so every person with TB can be reached and treated promptly."

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Beyond TB, these diagnostic platforms can also test for diseases like HIV, mpox, and HPV, supporting a more patient-centered, one-stop approach to care. WHO also recommends tongue swab TB tests, which make testing easier for people who cannot produce sputum. This step could expand access for high-risk groups, including those more likely to die from TB.

Another key strategy is sputum pooling, where multiple samples are tested together. This approach lowers costs and saves time, especially in resource-limited settings, helping health systems run more tests efficiently.

Despite progress, World TB Day 2026 comes at a critical moment. Funding cuts threaten global efforts, even as new tools offer hope. Expanding access to rapid TB testing remains a challenge in many countries due to cost barriers and reliance on centralized labs.

Key data and statistics:

• Over 3,300 people die from TB every day
• More than 29,000 people fall ill daily
• 83 million lives have been saved since 2000 through global TB efforts
• TB research funding falls short of the USD 5 billion annual target
• Every USD 1 invested in TB generates up to USD 43 in economic returns

WHO is urging governments to act quickly by investing in diagnostics, strengthening community-led care, and addressing social drivers of the disease. Efforts like the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council aim to speed up the development of new vaccines and improve global access.

“Investing in TB is a strategic political and economic choice, generating up to USUSD  43 in health and economic returns for every dollar spent”, said Dr Tereza Kasaeva. “What is required now is decisive leadership, strategic investment and rapid implementation of WHO recommendations and innovations to save lives and protect communities.”

With stronger action and wider use of tuberculosis detection innovations, WHO says ending TB is still within reach.