Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organization urges countries to adopt new rapid diagnostic tools to accelerate the global fight against tuberculosis, one of the deadliest infectious diseases.
In updated guidelines released on Tuesday to mark World TB Day 2026, the agency recommends near point-of-care tests and innovative sampling methods to expand access, especially in underserved communities.
WHO says the portable tools are battery-powered, easy to use, and deliver results in under one hour at less than half the cost of traditional diagnostics, enabling faster treatment and reducing transmission.
“These new tools could be truly transformative for tuberculosis, by bringing fast, accurate diagnosis closer to people,” says Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO calls on all countries to scale up access so every person with TB can be reached and treated promptly.”
The guidelines also introduce tongue swab testing for patients unable to produce sputum and recommend sputum pooling to cut costs and improve efficiency.
WHO notes the innovations could also support testing for diseases such as HIV and HPV, advancing integrated, patient-centred care.
Despite saving an estimated 83 million lives since 2000, tuberculosis still causes over 3,300 deaths daily, with 29,000 new infections recorded each day.
The agency warns that funding cuts and limited diagnostic access threaten progress, calling for stronger investment, research, and political commitment.
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