Benin is seeing significant progress in its fight against tuberculosis (TB), with officials reporting substantial improvements in treatment success rates and declining incidence numbers. The advancements, highlighted on World Tuberculosis Day, reflect a concerted effort by the West African nation and its partners to combat a disease that remains a major public health challenge globally. These gains are particularly encouraging given the disruptions to healthcare systems caused by recent global events and offer a model for other nations striving to eliminate TB.
According to Agnès Vissoh, Secretary General of Benin’s Ministry of Health, the country achieved an 89% treatment success rate for TB patients in the most recently evaluated cohort in 2024. This represents a considerable leap forward in ensuring that individuals diagnosed with TB complete their course of medication and are cured of the disease. 4,045 cases of tuberculosis, across all forms of the illness, were identified in 2025, a number officials say reflects a decrease compared to previous years. The decline in cases, whereas positive, also underscores the ongoing challenges in detection and prevention.
Improved Outcomes for Co-Infected Patients
A particularly notable achievement is the high rate of antiretroviral therapy (ART) access for individuals co-infected with TB and HIV. Nearly all – 98% – of these patients are now receiving ART, a critical component of their treatment and recovery. This integrated approach is yielding positive results, with the mortality rate among TB/HIV co-infected patients decreasing from 10% in 2023 to 7% in 2024. This improvement demonstrates the effectiveness of combining treatment strategies to address complex health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of addressing co-infections like TB and HIV, as they significantly worsen health outcomes and increase transmission rates. Learn more about tuberculosis from the WHO.
Long-Term Trends Show Dramatic Progress
The progress made in Benin isn’t a recent phenomenon. Plaikessi Kouadjani, the representative of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Benin, noted that the country has demonstrated consistent improvement over the past fifteen years. The incidence rate of TB has fallen from 86 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2000 to 40 cases per 100,000 in 2025 – a 53% reduction. This decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased access to diagnosis and treatment, improved surveillance systems, and targeted prevention programs. The Global Fund has been a key partner in supporting Benin’s TB control efforts, providing financial and technical assistance to strengthen the country’s health infrastructure.
Alongside the declining incidence, the treatment success rate has also seen a significant increase, rising from 78% to 91% over the same period. This improvement reflects enhancements in the quality of care provided to TB patients, including better adherence support, improved drug management, and the implementation of new treatment regimens. The gains are a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers and the commitment of the Beninese government to prioritize TB control.
Challenges Remain in TB Elimination
Despite the encouraging progress, officials acknowledge that challenges remain in the fight against TB in Benin. Factors such as poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare in rural areas continue to hinder efforts to eliminate the disease. The emergence of drug-resistant strains of TB poses a serious threat, requiring more intensive and costly treatment regimens. Addressing these challenges will require sustained investment in health systems, innovative prevention strategies, and a continued commitment to research and development.
The Ministry of Health is focusing on strengthening community-based TB programs to improve early detection and treatment adherence, particularly among vulnerable populations. These programs involve training community health workers to identify TB symptoms, provide basic counseling, and refer patients to healthcare facilities. The government is also working to improve access to diagnostic tools, such as GeneXpert, which can rapidly detect TB and drug resistance. The Stop TB Partnership’s Global Plan to End TB outlines strategies for accelerating progress towards TB elimination worldwide.
Looking ahead, Benin is committed to achieving the targets set by the End TB Strategy, a global initiative led by the WHO to eliminate TB by 2030. The next key milestone for the country is to further reduce the incidence rate of TB and improve treatment outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Ministry of Health will continue to work closely with its partners to strengthen TB control programs and ensure that all individuals have access to quality care. Official updates on Benin’s TB control efforts will be published regularly on the Ministry of Health’s website.
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