Zimbabwe Records 21,600 Tuberculosis Cases in 2025 Despite Progress in TB Fight

TB Poster

HARARE – Zimbabwe recorded about 21,600 tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, highlighting that the infectious disease remains a significant public health concern despite recent progress in controlling it. Health authorities say the country has made notable gains in its fight against TB, including being removed from the list of the 30 high-burden tuberculosis countries maintained by the World Health Organization. The milestone has been widely viewed as a major achievement in Zimbabwe’s public health efforts.

However, officials warn that several challenges continue to threaten these gains. Among the main concerns are delayed health-seeking behaviour among patients, persistent stigma surrounding tuberculosis, treatment interruptions, and declining global funding for TB control programmes. Zimbabwe will mark World TB Day on March 24 under the global theme “Yes! We can end TB!”, part of an international campaign aimed at accelerating efforts to eliminate the disease.

As part of preparations for the commemorations, the Ministry of Health and its partners recently held a pre-event at Parirewa High School. The event brought together health officials, community leaders, and partner organisations, including the National AIDS Council and the Zimbabwe National Network of TB Survivors. Speaking during the gathering, Fungai Kavenga, deputy director of the National TB and Leprosy Programme in the health ministry, said ending tuberculosis requires collective national action.

He emphasised the role of traditional leaders, community members, and healthcare workers in raising awareness about the disease and encouraging early diagnosis. According to Kavenga, community engagement is also critical in addressing stigma, which remains a barrier preventing some people from seeking timely medical care. Health experts note that tuberculosis is an airborne infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body.

The illness is curable if it is diagnosed early and patients complete the full course of treatment prescribed by health professionals. Authorities say strengthening community awareness, improving access to testing, and ensuring treatment adherence will be key to eliminating the disease. Zimbabwe’s participation in the global World TB Day campaign forms part of broader efforts to maintain progress in controlling the disease and preventing a resurgence.

Public health officials have urged communities to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms such as a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

Zimbabwe TB cases 21600; World TB Day; Ministry of Health