YANGON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar marked World Tuberculosis Day 2026 at the Ministry of Health in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, state-owned daily Global New Light of Myanmar reported on Wednesday.
At the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Health Aye Tun said Myanmar remains among the 30 countries with the highest prevalence of tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV co-infection, and drug-resistant TB, the report said.
He added that Myanmar has the second-highest incidence of new TB cases in the World Health Organization Southeast Asia region, highlighting the need to accelerate both the detection and treatment of the disease.
To tackle the disease, the country is implementing national strategic plans in collaboration with partner organizations, it said, adding that the "Double X Strategy" is currently being applied to diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, the Ministry of Health has expanded the use of stool samples for TB detection and the administration of TB preventive treatment for children under the age of eight, it said.
Diagnostic efforts have been strengthened by the use of AI technology for chest X-rays, alongside portable TB testing devices, the report said.
Furthermore, an integrated TB e-surveillance system is being implemented to manage TB control activities in real time, it added.
The deputy minister stressed the need for cooperation among the Ministry of Health, other ministries, organizations, partners, and the public, it said. ■
