BEIJING – Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a World Health Organization (WHO) Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS, issued a call on Wednesday for increased global cooperation in the fight against tuberculosis. Her statement, delivered to a virtual event commemorating WHO World TB Day 2026, underscores the ongoing need for international support and participation in both the prevention and treatment of this persistent public health challenge. The theme of this year’s observance, “Led by countries, powered by people,” highlights the importance of collaborative action.
Tuberculosis remains a significant global health threat, despite decades of efforts to control its spread. According to the WHO, TB is the world’s leading infectious killer, claiming nearly 1.5 million lives in 2023. The World Health Organization provides detailed information on the global TB epidemic, outlining the challenges and progress made in recent years. Peng Liyuan’s advocacy comes at a critical time, as global health systems continue to grapple with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted TB prevention and treatment services in many countries.
China’s Progress and Commitment to TB Control
Peng Liyuan highlighted the significant strides China has made in combating tuberculosis within its own borders. She noted that the Chinese government has prioritized TB prevention and treatment, coordinating efforts across various departments and investing in scientific and technological innovation. This commitment has led to improvements in access to TB services for over 1.4 billion residents, both in urban and rural areas, and has contributed to a sustained decline in TB incidence rates, positioning China as a country with moderate to low TB prevalence.
This progress is particularly notable given China historically carried a substantial burden of TB. The country’s extensive healthcare network has been instrumental in reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring timely diagnosis, and treatment. Peng Liyuan also emphasized the role of China’s 15-year-long volunteer campaign, which has engaged over 1 million volunteers in more than 80,000 programs dedicated to raising awareness about TB prevention and control. “I have been joining many of them on visits to local neighborhoods, schools and healthcare facilities, and I am a proud witness of their compassion, commitment and contribution, as well as the progress in China’s fight against TB,” Peng said in her statement.
The Role of Volunteers and Community Engagement
The success of China’s TB control efforts is inextricably linked to the dedication of its volunteer network. These volunteers play a crucial role in educating communities about TB, identifying potential cases, and connecting individuals with healthcare services. Their work extends beyond simply disseminating information; they provide emotional support and address the stigma often associated with the disease. This community-based approach is increasingly recognized as a vital component of effective TB control programs worldwide.
A Global Call to Action
Peng Liyuan’s message extended beyond China’s borders, urging individuals and organizations from all walks of life to actively participate in global TB efforts. She emphasized the importance of sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices to accelerate progress towards ending the TB epidemic. Her call to action aligns with the WHO’s Finish TB Strategy, which aims to reduce TB incidence by 90% and TB deaths by 95% by 2035.
“Let us share with each other warmth and care, and build together confidence and hope,” Peng Liyuan stated. “Let us work for progress in TB response to the benefit of all humanity, and join hands to build a community of health for all.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that addressing global health challenges requires a collective and coordinated response. The WHO’s recent work has been credited with reversing a recent upward trend in global TB cases, demonstrating the impact of focused international efforts.
The virtual event commemorating World TB Day 2026 provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Discussions centered on the need for increased investment in research and development, particularly for recent TB vaccines and shorter, more effective treatment regimens. Addressing drug-resistant TB remains a major challenge, requiring a multi-pronged approach that includes improved infection control measures, access to quality diagnostics, and adherence to treatment protocols.
Looking ahead, continued collaboration between governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups will be essential to achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the WHO’s End TB Strategy. The next major milestone in the global fight against TB will be the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis, scheduled for 2028, where world leaders will review progress and reaffirm their commitment to ending this preventable and curable disease.
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