In response to this year's (2026) World Tuberculosis Day theme on March 24, “Yes! We can End TB! Led by countries. Powered by people. (Eliminate TB, government leads, collective effort)”, the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Centers for Disease Control (hereafter referred to as the CDC) continues to emphasize the importance of TB prevention and control, and, together with the health bureaus of 22 counties and cities, civil society groups, and the power of the people, jointly implements various TB prevention and control measures, actively working toward the goal of eliminating TB by 2035.
Today (the 24th), the CDC held a “Eliminate TB, Community Together” 2026 World Tuberculosis Day press conference, inviting Taiwan’s TB prevention experts, scholars, civil groups, and community residents to enter the historic building Jingxin Garden, formerly the dormitory complex of Songshan Sanatorium, to review the nation’s TB prevention history, explain current TB control methods and the implementation experience of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) testing and treatment projects, share everyday TB prevention methods, and call for early medical consultation for symptomatic individuals, striving for nationwide participation.
CDC Director Luo Yijun said that, thanks to the efforts of public health, medical sectors, civil groups, and various ministries, Taiwan’s TB incidence rate fell to about 25 new cases per 100,000 people in 2025, compared with 73 per 100,000 in 2005, a cumulative reduction of 66%. To accelerate the goal of eliminating TB, our prevention strategy not only introduces new diagnostic technologies and short‑course regimens aligned with international standards to improve efficiency, but also progressively expands LTBI screening and treatment among high‑risk groups to reduce disease risk and prevent transmission. The CDC will continue inter‑agency collaboration, linking local governments, medical institutions, civil groups, and every community member to detect cases early and intervene promptly, safeguarding the health and safety of our people.
The chairman of the Republic of China Anti‑TB Association, Yu Ming‑zhi, explained that when symptoms such as cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, or abnormal chest X‑ray findings appear, one should seek medical examination immediately for early diagnosis. He also reminds the public to practice good hygiene daily, such as keeping environments well‑ventilated, observing cough etiquette, and managing chronic diseases, which can effectively prevent TB transmission, protecting oneself and the community. The general public can start with concern and understanding; through collective societal support, stigma and labeling can be reduced, creating a friendly and warm environment for patients, thereby moving toward the goal of eliminating TB.
The president of the Taiwan Society of Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases, Wang Zhen‑yuan, also noted that latent TB infection is asymptomatic and non‑contagious, but it carries a risk of future disease; early treatment and regular medication can reduce the risk of developing active TB by about 90%. Contacts of TB patients, individuals with compromised immunity, residents of care facilities, as well as high‑risk groups such as dialysis patients, those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, substance‑dependence, or poorly controlled diabetes should be especially vigilant, encouraging early testing and completion of full treatment courses to jointly protect community health.
After the press conference, community residents of Nangang were specially invited to visit Jingxin Garden from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that day. In addition to touring the historic building, participants held “Eliminate TB” protective fans for group photos in the garden and took part in on‑site health education activities, thereby urging the public to collectively prioritize TB prevention.
Source: Centers for Disease Control
Data compiled: Ganguan Office
