SADC Annual TB Progress Report Highlights Region’s Efforts to Combat Tuberculosis

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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) reported a 12% decline in tuberculosis (TB) cases across its 16 member states between 2024 and 2025, according to the SADC Annual TB Progress Report released June 20, 2026. The reduction, attributed to expanded access to diagnostics and treatment, marks the first sustained decline in the region since 2018, according to the report.

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Key Findings from the SADC TB Progress Report
The report, compiled by the SADC Centre for Health Policy and Advocacy, highlights improvements in TB detection rates, with 78% of estimated cases identified in 2025 compared to 65% in 2024. The region also saw a 19% increase in the number of patients completing full treatment courses, a metric critical to reducing drug-resistant TB.

“Early diagnosis and timely treatment remain the cornerstones of our strategy,” said Dr. Noma Moyo, SADC’s Chief Health Advisor. “The progress reflects the commitment of member states to aligning national TB programs with regional targets.”

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Challenges Persist Amid Progress
Despite the decline, the report notes persistent challenges, including disparities in TB care between urban and rural areas. In countries such as Zimbabwe and Malawi, remote communities face limited access to specialized TB clinics, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

The SADC report also highlights a 22% rise in multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) cases in 2025, raising concerns about the need for improved infection control measures. “While we are seeing progress, the emergence of drug-resistant strains underscores the urgency of scaling up preventive interventions,” said Dr. Moyo.

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Regional Collaboration and Funding
The report credits increased regional collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the advancements. A $120 million funding boost in 2024 enabled the procurement of new diagnostic tools, including rapid molecular tests, which reduced diagnosis times from weeks to days in some areas.

However, the SADC report warns that sustained funding is critical. “Without continued investment, gains could reverse,” the document states. “The region must prioritize TB in national budgets to maintain momentum.”

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Comparisons to Regional and Global Trends
The SADC’s 2025 TB case reduction aligns with global trends but lags behind more developed regions. According to the WHO’s 2025 Global TB Report, the African region as a whole saw a 9% decline in TB cases between 2024 and 2025, with East Africa outperforming Southern Africa.

In contrast, the SADC’s MDR-TB rate of 5.3% in 2025 exceeds the global average of 3.4%, according to the WHO. This discrepancy highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as improved patient monitoring and expanded use of newer TB drugs.

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What Comes Next?
The SADC report outlines plans to launch a regional TB awareness campaign in 2026, focusing on reducing stigma and encouraging early testing. It also calls for the adoption of a unified TB data-sharing platform to improve cross-border surveillance.

Public health experts emphasize the importance of these steps. “Community engagement and data transparency are vital,” said Dr. Amina Khoury, a TB researcher at the University of Cape Town. “Without addressing social determinants like poverty and overcrowding, long-term success remains uncertain.”

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Impact on Public Health Policy
The findings are expected to influence national TB strategies in SADC countries. In Zambia, for example, the Ministry of Health announced plans to expand mobile TB clinics to rural areas following the report’s recommendations.

The SADC report also urges member states to integrate TB care with services for HIV and other co-infections, as 70% of TB patients in the region are also living with HIV. “A holistic approach is essential,” the report states. “Treating TB in isolation risks missing opportunities to improve overall health outcomes.”

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Conclusion
The SADC Annual TB Progress Report underscores both the achievements and ongoing challenges in the region’s fight against tuberculosis. While the 12% decline in cases offers hope, experts caution that sustained efforts—particularly in addressing drug resistance and healthcare access—will determine the long-term success of TB elimination initiatives.

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“The progress we’ve made is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration,” said Dr. Noma Moyo. “But the work is far from over. We must remain vigilant to ensure no one is left behind.”Source
SADC Centre for Health Policy and Advocacy, Annual TB Progress Report, 2026.