The 19th Annual TB Research Conference (TRAC) and the 2025 World TB Day commemoration were successfully conducted.

The Ministry of Health’s National TB, Leprosy, and Other Lung Diseases Program, in collaboration with the TRAC Committee and implementation partners, successfully conducted the 19th Annual TB Research Conference and commemorated the 2025 World TB Day from March 21 to 23, 2025, in Arba Minch town. The event was held under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, deliver”, reinforcing the global call for action to accelerate efforts in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The conference brought together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, implementing partners, and community representatives to discuss the latest advancements in TB control. Various scientific research papers were presented, covering topics such as drug-resistant tuberculosis, innovative diagnostic approaches, including next-generation sequencing, and the role of AI in tuberculosis diagnosis, as well as data digitalization and the latest developments in tuberculosis vaccines. Experts shared insights on emerging challenges, best practices, and future directions for TB elimination in Ethiopia and beyond.

As part of the World TB Day commemoration, awareness-raising activities, including a 4 km walk and testimonies from TB survivors, were conducted to engage the public and advocate for stronger political commitment in the fight against TB. The event concluded with a call to action, urging all stakeholders to prioritize TB elimination efforts and sustain momentum towards achieving national and global TB targets. The successful execution of TRAC 2025 and the World TB Day commemoration reaffirmed Ethiopia’s dedication to ending TB through strengthened partnerships, research-driven interventions, and increased funding for TB programs.