WHO will host a global #EndTB Webinar on October 22, 2025, to launch new guidance on tackling TB and undernutrition together under its End TB Strategy.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to host a global #EndTB Webinar on October 22, 2025, to launch new guidance addressing the dual challenges of tuberculosis (TB) and undernutrition. The virtual event will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (CEST) and is open to all global health stakeholders working toward the vision of Health for All.
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Undernutrition: A Major Driver of the TB Epidemic
Undernutrition remains one of the most significant yet under-addressed drivers of the global TB epidemic. Malnourished individuals are far more vulnerable to TB infection, have poorer treatment outcomes, and face a higher risk of death. Tackling food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies among TB patients is therefore vital to improving recovery rates and reducing preventable deaths.
The new WHO guidance emphasizes the need to integrate nutritional assessment, counselling, and support into TB care — promoting a people-centred, holistic approach aligned with the End TB Strategy.
TB at a Glance: The Global Burden of a Preventable Killer
Tuberculosis continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases on Earth, despite being both preventable and curable. Global data reveal how vast the challenge remains:
- 10.6 million people developed TB in 2023, according to WHO estimates.
- 1.3 million deaths occurred globally, making TB the second leading infectious killer after COVID-19.
- That’s one TB-related death every 20 seconds worldwide.
- India alone reports about 2.8 million new TB cases each year, the highest national burden globally.
- Undernutrition causes nearly 20% of all TB cases, showing the tight link between hunger and infection.
- Nearly 45% of TB patients suffer from moderate to severe malnutrition during treatment.
- The global economic cost of TB — including healthcare expenses and productivity losses — exceeds $13 billion annually.
These numbers highlight why the WHO’s integrated approach to tackling TB and undernutrition together is not just a medical necessity but a humanitarian and development priority. Without addressing social determinants such as food insecurity, poverty, and malnutrition, the world risks falling short of the End TB Strategy’s 2035 elimination goal.
#EndTB Webinar: New Guidance in WHO’s Consolidated TB Guidelines
The upcoming webinar will introduce the second edition of WHO’s Consolidated Guidelines on Tuberculosis, specifically Module 6: Tuberculosis and Comorbidities. This module focuses on addressing social and health factors that worsen TB outcomes — including undernutrition, diabetes, HIV, and substance use.
The guidance provides evidence-based recommendations for nutritional interventions, such as food supplementation, cash assistance, and community-based nutritional support, all aimed at improving patient recovery and strengthening public health systems.
#EndTB Webinar: Key Speakers and Global Participation
The #EndTB Webinar will feature WHO leadership, along with experts from ministries of health, national TB programmes, academic institutions, technical and financing organizations, and civil society.
Speakers will share country experiences, present the latest recommendations, and discuss scaling up nutrition-linked TB care in high-burden regions.
This event is expected to serve as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and global policy alignment in the fight against TB and hunger.
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#EndTB Webinar: Event Details
- Event: #EndTB Webinar — Virtual Launch on Tackling TB and Undernutrition Together
- Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (CEST)
- Organized by: World Health Organization (WHO)
- Participation: Open to all stakeholders in the global fight against TB and hunger
- Registration: Register here
A Step Forward in the Fight to End TB
Through this new initiative, WHO reinforces its commitment to addressing the root causes of tuberculosis and promoting equitable access to care. By linking nutrition, health, and social protection, the organization aims to create stronger, more resilient systems that can prevent disease, support recovery, and save millions of lives worldwide.