United to end tuberculosis across Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan – To mark World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan is celebrating people like Ayub, a 76-year-old father of 8 from a remote village in Khider district, Daikundi province, who fought TB and reclaimed their health. 

Ayub’s struggle began with persistent fatigue, rapid weight loss and a persistent cough. Like many in his community, he was unaware of TB symptoms. Believing he was suffering from some minor illness, Ayub delayed seeking medical care.

“At first, I thought it was nothing serious and bought medicine from a local pharmacy,” Ayub recalled. “But when my condition worsened, I traveled to the provincial capital for a check-up. They referred me to Kabul, where my life took a drastic turn.”

By the time he reached a WHO-supported health facility in Kabul, the disease had already severely impacted his health. He tested positive for TB and was admitted to Afghan-Japan Hospital for urgent treatment.

“Receiving the diagnosis was frightening, but the care I got changed everything,” said Ayub. “After starting treatment, I began to feel better. Now I want to use my experience to encourage others to seek help immediately.”

Supported by his family and community, for 2 months Ayub followed his treatment plan to the letter, taking daily medication and attending regular check-ups.

TB poses a serious public health challenge in Afghanistan, with over 50 000 cases reported in 2024. The disease persists despite the availability of more than 875 TB treatment centres across the country which provide free diagnosis and care with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

 “WHO, in collaboration with partners, remains committed to strengthening Afghanistan’s TB programme,” says WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “No one should suffer in silence. TB is preventable, curable, and no patient should be stigmatized.”

Today, Ayub has regained his health and is eager to return to his role as a devoted father and active community member. He now advocates for TB awareness, urging others to recognize symptoms and seek timely treatment.

Ayub’s story is a reminder that early diagnosis and proper care can turn the tide against TB. “This World TB Day, let us stand together in the fight against this disease—because every life saved brings hope for a healthier future in Afghanistan and across the world,” says Dr Salvador.

For more information, please contact:

Najiburahman Hamid, Communications Officer, WHO Afghanistan

Mobile: +93700021820 Email: nhamid@who.int