Every March 24th, World Tuberculosis Day is commemorated, in memory of the discovery of the bacillus responsible for the disease by Robert Koch in 1882. More than a century later, this infection still weighs heavily on healthcare systems, particularly in Africa. Under the theme “Yes, we can eradicate tuberculosis,” this World Day reminds us of the undeniable fact that the battle is far from won. A real and persistent threat According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world, with millions of new cases reported each year. In Africa, tuberculosis remains a silent emergency. In a message delivered on Monday, March 23, 2026, the Nigerian Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Col. Garba Hakimi, reported 17,406 cases of tuberculosis in Niger in 2025, including 13,607 new cases of pulmonary TB, the most contagious form, and 298 cases of TB/HIV co-infection, accounting for 2%. In Senegal, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene indicated that out of 20,983 expected cases in 2025, only 16,158 were detected, leaving 4,825 undiagnosed cases, the main drivers of disease transmission. It also reported nearly 480 deaths. South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo concentrate a significant portion of global cases. In South Africa, for instance, the incidence of tuberculosis remains one of the highest worldwide, exacerbated by co-infection with HIV. Notable advances against structural vulnerabilities Despite this concerning picture, significant progress has been made. The introduction of rapid diagnostic tests, the strengthening of national control programs, and improved access to treatment have saved millions of lives. In many African countries, innovative initiatives are emerging. The use of digital tools and algorithms based on artificial intelligence now allows for accelerated screening, particularly through automated analysis of chest X-rays. These technologies offer new perspectives, especially in areas where specialists are scarce. However, these advances are weakened by persistent obstacles: chronic underfunding, unequal access to care, and the stigma attached to patients. Added to this is the increasing threat of drug-resistant forms, further complicating care. While technological innovations, especially artificial intelligence, offer promising prospects, they alone are not enough to address structural gaps.
