On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health of Mongolia reported the registration of 2,851 new cases of tuberculosis in 2025, among which 182 cases ended fatally.
According to the agency, about 130 cases were classified as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
At a press conference dedicated to World Tuberculosis Day, Mongolia's Minister of Health, Chinburen Jigjiduren, stated: "The main factor in the successful fight against tuberculosis is early detection, adequate diagnosis, and completion of treatment. If these measures are implemented effectively, the eradication of tuberculosis will become a realistic goal."
Chinburen added that Mongolia, with a population of over 3.5 million, has achieved significant progress in combating this disease in recent years. He reported that molecular diagnostic technologies have been implemented in 78 medical institutions across the country, and digital X-ray technologies based on artificial intelligence have begun to be used.
However, he noted that tuberculosis is still prevalent among vulnerable populations and low-income individuals. In some cases, patients do not complete treatment even after a diagnosis is made.
The minister urged residents of the country to get tested for tuberculosis if they have a cough lasting more than 14 days.
At the same press conference, Teresa Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Global Tuberculosis Program, noted that "tuberculosis is not just an infection, but a consequence of social inequality."
Kasaeva explained that factors such as overcrowding, malnutrition, alcohol abuse, smoking, and economic vulnerability exacerbate the spread and severity of the disease. She emphasized the need for coordinated efforts in the areas of health care, social protection, education, and employment to eradicate tuberculosis.
Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day is observed to raise public awareness about this dangerous disease and to intensify efforts to end the global epidemic.
