Details
Context
In the Region of the Americas, an estimated 350,000 people developed tuberculosis (TB) and approximately 30,000 died from the disease in 2024. Of these deaths, 29% were attributed to TB/HIV coinfection. Estimated TB incidence and mortality rates are stabilizing, while the number of people diagnosed and treated continues to increase. This trend reflects recent country efforts to incorporate new technologies, including computer-aided detection (CAD) assisted digital radiology, expanded use of rapid molecular diagnostic tests, and shorter treatment regimens. These advances have improved access to diagnosis and treatment; however, an estimated 77,000 people with TB were not diagnosed in 2024.
The social determinants of health associated with TB, including poverty, social exclusion, malnutrition, comorbidities, discrimination, and stigma, continue to be the main drivers of the epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Primary Health Care (PHC) plays a fundamental role as the backbone of a comprehensive TB response by enabling early detection, timely diagnosis, treatment initiation and follow-up, as well as coordination with communities and other sectors. Strengthening the integration of TB services within PHC is essential to ensuring people-centred care, reducing barriers to access, and making sustained progress toward TB elimination. TB services integrated at the primary care level must be accessible, affordable, stigma-free, and people-centred.
In this context, World Tuberculosis Day 2026 underscores the urgency of accelerating efforts to end TB. This year’s theme, “We can end tuberculosis: powered by Primary Health Care, innovation, and committed communities” highlights the need for sustained commitment, national leadership, adequate investment, and active community participation.
Through a comprehensive, people-centred approach grounded in Primary Health Care, it is possible to advance equitably and sustainably toward the elimination of tuberculosis in the Region of the Americas.
Agenda
10:00 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.
Welcome
Pedro Avedillo, Advisor, Tuberculosis Prevention, Control and Elimination, PAHO
10:05 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Launch of World Tuberculosis Day
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director PAHO (Video)
10:10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Progress in the Americas toward TB elimination
Monica Alonso, Unit Chief, HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, PAHO
10:20 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Panel: Primary Health Care and TB Elimination
• How can Primary Health Care within Brazil’s SUS drive TB elimination?
Ministry of Health of Brazil
• Experience integrating TB into Primary Health Care in the state of Rio de Janeiro
Secretary of Health of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Innovations in the first level of care in Peru
Ministry of Health, Peru
• Integration of TB into PHC and its impact on treatment outcomes in Honduras
Ministry of Health, Honduras
• What is the role of Primary Health Care in Costa Rica’s TB elimination plan?
Ministry of Health, Costa Rica
11:15 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.
• Strategic priorities of the Parliamentary Front to accelerate TB elimination
TB Parliamentary Front of the Americas
• Community perspectives on the TB response
11:25 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Closing Remarks