Vice Health Minister of Indonesia
On March 24, Indonesia joins the world in marking World Tuberculosis Day 2026 under the theme “Yes End TB. Led by countries. Powered by people.” This message is clear: ending TB requires strong national leadership and the active participation of communities, survivors, health workers, and the private sector.
Globally, TB remains devastating—10.7 million people fell ill and 1.23 million died in 2024. Indonesia is among the countries with the highest burden, with 1.6 million cases annually, including 1.1 million new infections. While detection rates have improved to 81% of estimated cases, gaps remain. Complicating matters further, drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) affects more than 24,000 Indonesians each year, demanding longer, costlier treatment and worsening poverty among vulnerable families.
This year’s commemoration comes just after Eid, when millions of Indonesians travel home and return to cities. Such mobility strengthens social bonds but also heightens the risk of infectious disease transmission. With 70% of Indonesians projected to live in urban areas by 2026, crowded settlements with poor ventilation and limited healthcare access create fertile ground for TB spread. Poverty and malnutrition deepen this cycle, where TB worsens poverty and poverty fuels TB.
Yet, there is reason for optimism -Free health check programs held after Eid- This program had drawn extraordinary participation—70 million people nationwide were checked in 2025. These screenings have uncovered TB cases earlier, enabling timely treatment. Early detection is critical: untreated TB can infect 10–15 others in a single year. By breaking this chain, we save lives and protect livelihoods.
As Vice Minister of Health, I stress that TB is not only a medical issue - it is a social and economic challenge. World TB Day 2026 must be a turning point. We must strengthen cross-sector collaboration, ensure equitable access to healthcare, and educate the public that TB is curable when treated early.
With the spirit of togetherness after Eid, let us remember that health is a social investment. By reducing TB, including MDR-TB, we safeguard lives and protect the productivity of our nation. A healthy Indonesia is a strong Indonesia—moving decisively toward the goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
This year’s commemoration comes just after Eid, when millions of Indonesians travel home and return to cities. Such mobility strengthens social bonds but also heightens the risk of infectious disease transmission. With 70% of Indonesians projected to live in urban areas by 2026, crowded settlements with poor ventilation and limited healthcare access create fertile ground for TB spread. Poverty and malnutrition deepen this cycle, where TB worsens poverty and poverty fuels TB.
Yet, there is reason for optimism -Free health check programs held after Eid- This program had drawn extraordinary participation—70 million people nationwide were checked in 2025. These screenings have uncovered TB cases earlier, enabling timely treatment. Early detection is critical: untreated TB can infect 10–15 others in a single year. By breaking this chain, we save lives and protect livelihoods.
As Vice Minister of Health, I stress that TB is not only a medical issue - it is a social and economic challenge. World TB Day 2026 must be a turning point. We must strengthen cross-sector collaboration, ensure equitable access to healthcare, and educate the public that TB is curable when treated early.
With the spirit of togetherness after Eid, let us remember that health is a social investment. By reducing TB, including MDR-TB, we safeguard lives and protect the productivity of our nation. A healthy Indonesia is a strong Indonesia—moving decisively toward the goal of eliminating TB by 2030.
Author: Dr Benjamin Paulus Octavianus
Vice Health Minister of Indonesia
