On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day 2026, the Minister for Health Elias Kapavore, called for renewed commitment and accelerated action to end TB in Papua New Guinea.
This year’s global theme, “Yes! We can end TB: Led by countries, powered by people,” highlights the importance of strong national leadership, community engagement and sustained investment.
Minister Kapavore emphasized that TB is preventable and curable, and that early detection and effective treatment are critical to stopping transmission.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024, with more than 1.2 million deaths globally.
Papua New Guinea continues to face a heavy TB burden and remains among the high-burden countries in the Western Pacific Region.
In 2025, PNG diagnosed 51,333 TB cases, including 723 cases of multidrug-resistant TB, and recorded 1,380 deaths. National TB notification data highlights the scale of the challenge:
• Between 146 and 247 people develop TB each day, with higher transmission in areas such as the National Capital District and Lae.
• Around 140 people are diagnosed and started on treatment daily. Of those treated, approximately 92 successfully complete treatment or are cured.
• Between 4 and 15 Papua New Guineans die from TB each day, with only about 3 deaths officially reported.
These statistics reflect significant human and economic impacts, with TB remaining one of PNG’s leading infectious disease killers.
TB notifications have increased from 6,357 cases in 2008 to 51,333 in 2025 an eight-fold increase.
Drug-resistant TB is also rising, with 723 cases enrolled on treatment last year, increasing the complexity and cost of care.
The burden is not evenly distributed. Provincial data for 2025 shows the highest case numbers in:
• National Capital District: 8,081 cases
• Morobe Province (including Lae): 6,366 cases
Other high-burden provinces include Simbu (3,388), East Sepik (3,359), Eastern Highlands (3,356), Madang (3,275) and Enga (3,258).
Lower reported numbers in some provinces are likely due to gaps in detection, service access or reporting.
These variations highlight the need for targeted, province-led interventions, particularly in high-burden urban areas.
It is also important to note that reported TB cases are expected to increase as more people come forward for testing and as diagnostic and reporting systems improve.
This reflects a strengthening of the health system. As more cases are detected and treated early, transmission will reduce over time, leading to fewer cases and deaths.
“Tuberculosis continues to affect too many individuals, families and communities across Papua New Guinea,” said Minister Elias Kapavore.
“This trajectory can and must change.”
“On this World TB Day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen prevention, improve early detection, expand access to quality diagnosis and treatment, and work closely with provinces, health workers, partners and communities so that no one is left behind.”
Moreover, PNG’s response to TB is guided by the National Health Plan 2021-2030 focusing on strengthening health systems, primary health care and service delivery.
On World TB Day 2026, the Minister of Health acknowledges the contributions of Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), development partners, health workers, churches and communities, and calls for continued collaboration to reduce stigma, improve access to services and accelerate progress.
With strong leadership, coordinated action and sustained investment, ending TB in Papua New Guinea is within reach.
