Zimbabwe has recorded notable advances in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), with the latest 2025 Global TB Report released this week showing reductions in disease burden and improvements in treatment outcomes.
The report indicates that TB incidence has fallen to 203 cases per 100,000 people, representing a 3.8 percent drop from 2023 figures. The treatment success rate for new and relapse cases has risen to 91 percent, while the TB/HIV co-infection rate has decreased to 49 percent, showing continued gains in integrated care.
Ministry of Health Public Health Specialist Dr. Fungai Kavenga, while addressing the media, said the results demonstrate meaningful progress but stressed that the advances remain vulnerable.
“The country has made commendable gains in reducing TB incidence and improving treatment outcomes, but these achievements require sustained effort. We must not lose sight of the fact that our TB response still depends heavily on external financing, and any reductions in donor support could jeopardise these improvements,” he added
Dr. Kavenga said the priority now focuses on strengthening Zimbabwe’s health system so that gains can withstand funding shifts.
“To maintain the momentum, we need predictable domestic investment in TB services. Continuous training for health workers, modern laboratory infrastructure and uninterrupted drug supplies are critical for long-term success,” he said.
Public health analyst, Silibaziso Maguhwe, noted that although the indicators are moving in a positive direction, Zimbabwe’s TB burden remains higher than global targets under the WHO End TB Strategy.
However, she warned that sustained financial and operational commitment will be essential for the country to stay on track.
“Our aim is not just to control TB but to end it as a public health threat. Maintaining these gains and advancing toward elimination will require unwavering focus from all stakeholders,” she said.
Meanwhile, the findings also confirm that Zimbabwe has achieved universal access to rapid diagnostic technologies, including rifampicin susceptibility testing, which allows clinicians to quickly identify drug-resistant TB and initiate appropriate treatment.
