China has made significant strides in combating the tuberculosis epidemic, achieving a remarkable 30% drop in rates since 2012. This success is attributed to numerous factors, including the dedicated efforts of Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and the WHO goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, along with innovative healthcare strategies.

In a written statement for the World Health Organization's World Tuberculosis Day 2026, Peng underscored the essential need for international cooperation and support in the global fight against tuberculosis. She highlighted that the theme of the event, "Led by countries, powered by people," is vital for fostering collaborative efforts in addressing this pressing public health challenge.

Peng emphasized the WHO's commitment to reversing the recent rise in global TB cases, pointing to China’s multifaceted approach that combines advanced technological innovations with a robust healthcare system serving over 1.4 billion people. Her statements reflect China's dedication to safeguarding public health while working towards the elimination of tuberculosis.

This year marks the 15th anniversary of China's extensive volunteer campaign for tuberculosis prevention and control, which has seen the involvement of over 1 million volunteers executing more than 80,000 community programs. Peng expressed her pride in witnessing the genuine compassion exhibited by these volunteers during visits to various localities.

A practical model for decreasing tuberculosis incidence is showcased in Jiangsu Province, where the TB incidence rate dropped to 21.17 per 100,000 people in 2025. This improvement is largely attributable to a smart screening system, harnessing advanced technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the grassroots level.

Wang Yangzhu, the deputy chief physician of radiology at a community health center in Nanjing, noted that AI-assisted screening has revolutionized the efficiency of TB diagnostics, eliminating the need for manual record reviews. In addition to this technological advance, Jiangsu has introduced a new short-course treatment for drug-resistant TB that dramatically shortens recovery time.

This localized approach symbolizes a wider national achievement, as China has simultaneously reduced both TB incidence and mortality rates by approximately 30% since 2012, nearly double the global average. With consistent treatment rates above 90%, China has moved into a category of countries with moderate-to-low TB prevalence.

China's commitment extends beyond its borders through international medical aid initiatives. Recently, the 23rd Chinese medical team in Zimbabwe provided treatment for a 22-year-old TB patient by combining standard medical protocols with Traditional Chinese Medicine to enhance immunity and mitigate side effects.

As part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts, China dispatched over 1,000 medical personnel to 57 countries in 2025, serving more than 2.06 million patients. Since 1963, Chinese medical teams have reached 77 countries, treating an estimated 300 million individuals and improving local medical infrastructure.

Chinese medical teams actively engage in providing essential care in remote regions, like Simandou, where they additionally conduct health education and hygiene training. Their comprehensive outreach has established a long-lasting framework for health awareness and disease prevention.

By innovatively integrating technological advancements with grassroots community involvement and global support efforts, China continually collaborates with the international community to make the goal of a tuberculosis-free world a concrete reality.