March in Ukraine is traditionally dedicated to overcoming tuberculosis (TB), one of the most common infectious diseases in the world. This year, it is held under the slogan: «"Yes! We can defeat tuberculosis. Leadership lies with the state, strength lies with the communities"», which emphasizes that effective TB control is based on a combination of political will, modern medical solutions, and close cooperation between the state, communities, and partners.
«"Overcoming tuberculosis is not just a matter of medicine. It is a matter of responsibility for each of us - from state policy to personal attitude to our own health. Ukraine is already demonstrating leadership in implementing modern approaches, but communities remain the driving force"», — emphasizes Head of the Department of Tuberculosis Management and Control of the Public Health Center Yana Terleeva.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT TUBERCULOSIS
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs.
The main route of transmission is airborne (when coughing, sneezing, talking to a person who has active TB with bacterial excretion). Anyone can get sick, regardless of social status.
«Tuberculosis has no “social status,” — notes Yana Terleeva.
— Anyone can get sick. That is why it is extremely important not to ignore the symptoms and consult a doctor in a timely manner.».
Statistics
By official data, in 2025, more than 132 thousand people in Ukraine underwent TB diagnosis using a modern molecular genetic method using the system GeneXpert for the detection of tuberculosis.
Among them, more than 15 thousand (15,564) people with tuberculosis, including its relapses, were registered (compared to 18,140 in 2024). Of these, 368 are children aged 0-14 years.
Almost 16 thousand (15,977) people with TB received treatment in 2025, 14,755 have already recovered, and the rest continue treatment.
Early detection is the key to recovery
Tuberculosis is completely curable with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Contact your family doctor or phthisiologist if you have the following symptoms:
- cough for longer than 2 weeks;
- elevated body temperature for more than 7 days;
- difficulty breathing;
- chest pain;
- poor appetite, unexplained weight loss;
- constant weakness;
- increased sweating, especially at night.
How TB is treated in Ukraine: modern diagnostics and shorter treatment regimens
Today, about 70% patients begin therapy on an outpatient basis — without hospitalization, unless there are medical or epidemiological indications for hospitalization. This allows the person to maintain their usual lifestyle and minimizes social risks.
Modern drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis are available in all regions of Ukraine. Thanks to innovative treatment regimens:
- Treatment of susceptible TB lasts 4–6 months;
- Treatment of drug-resistant forms is usually 6–9 months.
Preventive treatment, according to WHO recommendations, can be completed in 1 or 3 months, and protection lasts for over 10 years if the full course is completed.
Treatment is prescribed by a phthisiologist who selects an individual regimen. At the same time, a family doctor monitors the treatment process and the patient's condition. Regional phthisiopulmonological centers operate in each region, which coordinate measures to combat TB.
During the Month of Overcoming Tuberculosis, the Public Health Center will share detailed information about tuberculosis: how it is treated, who is at risk, what to do for prevention, etc. After all, awareness is the first step towards overcoming TB.
Remember that All services are free in Ukraine, related to TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Together we can defeat tuberculosis!