The National TBLLD Program held its Annual Performance Review Meeting and launched the AI-powered Digital Chest X-Ray System, along with the TB Infection Prevention and Control Operational Manual.

September 18–20, 2025

The National Tuberculosis (TB) Program successfully convened its Annual Performance Review Meeting. It served as a critical platform to review the implementation of the national TB response, evaluate progress against annual targets, and identify key challenges requiring corrective actions. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share lessons learned and agree on priority areas to strengthen TB prevention, care, and control interventions moving forward.

The meeting brought together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS), the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Regional Reference Laboratories, and developmental and implementing partners. This inclusive, multi-stakeholder participation enabled comprehensive discussions on major areas, including program performance, TB diagnostics, supply chain and management, program financing, and data quality.

Regional presentations enriched the discussion by highlighting both achievements and challenges in program implementation. The platform also promoted cross-regional learning, sharing TB case-finding approaches, and community-level interventions that support the acceleration of TB case detection. At the end of the review, regions, along with stakeholders, developed action plans and practical recommendations to address the issues identified.

Key National Achievements Reported in 2017 EFY

• Case Notification and Treatment: A total of 150,153 TB cases were diagnosed and treated during the year.
• Community Contribution: 21.3% of TB cases were identified through community TB referral mechanisms.
• Private Sector Engagement (PPM): 19.8% of TB cases were contributed by through the public-private mix (PPM).
• Treatment Coverage: National treatment coverage was at 87%, slightly below the previous year’s 92%.
• TB/HIV Collaborative Services: 91% of TB patients were tested for HIV, and 97% of co-infected patients were successfully linked to ART.
• TB preventive treatment: 63% of household contacts under 15 yearsfor bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients successfully received TPT   
• TB Treatment Success Rate: The treatment success rate reached 91.2%, showing better adherence support and follow-up mechanisms.
• Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB): The program achieved 33% of the estimated target, reflecting ongoing challenges in identifying and diagnosing drug-resistant cases.
• DR-TB Treatment success rate: achieved 80%, reflecting strong patient management, adherence support, and follow-up systems

The meeting reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to ending TB while emphasizing the need for continued investment and coordinated efforts. The agreed-upon recommendations and action points will help improve the program’s performance in the coming year, maintain progress, and accelerate efforts toward meeting national TB targets.

Along with the review, the program officially launched the AI-powered digital chest X-ray system for TB detection. A total of 225 digital X-ray machines has been procured and distributed to selected hospitals nationwide. The introduction of this technology marks a major step forward in Ethiopia’s fight against TB. The integration of AI-powered screening tools into the national TB program aims to assist in early TB detection and reduce missed TB cases. The launch further demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to leveraging digital health innovations to achieve End TB targets.

Additionally, the program also introduced an Operational Manual for TB Infection Prevention and Control, which will guide facilities in standardizing TB infection prevention and control practices and safeguarding both patients and health workers.