China's Tuberculosis Case Reduction Rate Reaches 3% Annually, Significantly Exceeding Global Average

According to recent information from health officials, China has successfully reduced its tuberculosis (TB) cases by an impressive 3% each year since 2021, which is notably higher than the global average. Liu Qing, a representative from the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, revealed at a conference that this steady decline in TB prevalence and the low mortality rates have resulted from longstanding financial investments and comprehensive disease management approaches.

In the previous year, China's central government allocated 1.27 billion yuan (approximately $175 million) to combat tuberculosis, a significant increase from the mere 40 million yuan invested in 2001. In addition to funding, the country has implemented a support mechanism since 2021 to enhance the reimbursement process for outpatient healthcare costs related to chronic and special illnesses, thereby easing the financial challenges faced by TB patients.

Since 2012, China has successfully identified and treated over 8 million individuals diagnosed with pulmonary TB, boasting a treatment success rate of over 90%. However, Liu pointed out that despite these advancements, China still ranks third globally in terms of TB burden. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced efforts to facilitate active detection, ensure standardized management of TB cases, and promote the use of innovative prevention and treatment resources.