Both the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have underscored the urgent need for effective public health strategies to manage the ongoing spread of TB in the region.

In 2023, children under 15 represented 4.3% of new and relapse TB cases in the WHO European region, reflecting a concerning 10% increase from the previous year.

The European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) reported nearly 37,000 TB diagnoses in 2023, an increase of 2,000 cases compared to 2022.

Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director, has called for immediate public health measures to combat the rising tuberculosis (TB) burden, asserting that ending TB is a choice, not merely a dream.

The WHO and ECDC advocate for broader access to shorter, fully oral treatment regimens that have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Kluge emphasized that the increasing TB burden, particularly among children, highlights the fragile progress made against this treatable disease.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a significant challenge in the region, necessitating immediate action to enhance detection and treatment efforts.

ECDC Director Pamela Rendi-Wagner has called for a renewed focus on prevention and timely treatment of TB across Europe.

In total, over 172,000 new and relapsed TB cases were reported in 2023 across the 53 countries in the WHO European region, consistent with levels seen in 2022.

A recent WHO report indicates that the rise in tuberculosis cases among children under 15 in Europe and Central Asia has continued for the third consecutive year.

Kluge pointed out a significant $11 billion shortfall in global funding for TB response efforts, a situation worsened by cuts to international development aid.

Key recommendations from health officials include enhancing TB testing and ensuring that preventive treatments are accessible to all at-risk populations.