In Armenia, tuberculosis incidence has continuously decreased since 2014, dropping from 34.7 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population by 2024. In that year, 361 newly diagnosed active cases were recorded, 71% of which were pulmonary tuberculosis. Men accounted for 75% of cases, while women made up 25%.
The highest incidence was observed in the 45–54 and 55–64 age groups, while children under 14 accounted for 5% of cases, according to the Heratsi Center of Yerevan State Medical University.
Tuberculosis remains a serious public health issue in many countries worldwide, despite being preventable and treatable. Each year, more than 10 million people become infected, and about 1 million die from the disease. It is also considered one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases globally. According to the World Health Organization, 10.7 million new cases and 1.23 million deaths were recorded in 2024.
Many countries are seeing a decline in tuberculosis burden, reaching fewer than 10 cases and one death per 100,000 population annually.
World Tuberculosis Day, observed every year on March 24, serves to raise public awareness about the health, social, and economic consequences of the disease and to promote actions aimed at ending the global epidemic by 2030. Scientific and innovative advances, including the development of new vaccines, are considered crucial to achieving this goal.
The 2026 slogan is “Yes! We can end TB,” calling for concrete action by governments through increased investment, implementation of new WHO guidelines, adoption of innovations, and strengthened multisectoral cooperation.
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. It can remain airborne for several hours and is transmitted via respiratory droplets through coughing, sneezing, or saliva. Infection mainly occurs among individuals who have prolonged contact with infected persons.
Tuberculosis is also the leading cause of death among people living with HIV.
Although the disease is widespread globally, a significant share of cases occurs in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.
At the same time, most infected individuals do not develop the disease, with a lifetime risk of only 5–10%.
In 2015, the WHO adopted the End TB Strategy for 2020–2035, aiming to reduce incidence by 90% and mortality by 95%.
Globally, access to treatment increased from 51% to 69% between 2010 and 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this figure dropped to 58%, but rebounded to 75% by 2023. The goal is to achieve 90% treatment coverage by 2027.
One ongoing challenge is the rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis, often linked to inadequate treatment. In the European region, around 1,300 such cases are recorded annually, with only 40–45% of patients successfully treated, while about half do not respond to treatment and die.
Risk groups include people living with HIV, drug users, individuals with alcohol dependence, close contacts of patients, recently infected individuals, prisoners, people with diabetes, and other vulnerable populations.
Key prevention measures include early detection, drug susceptibility testing, full treatment and patient support, screening and preventive treatment of contacts, and regular monitoring of high-risk groups.
Vaccination against tuberculosis is carried out using the BCG vaccine, administered to newborns within the first 48 hours of life, and in some cases later according to established procedures.
