Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman joins countries around the world on Tuesday in marking World Tuberculosis Day, observed annually on March 24, reaffirming the importance of strengthening global efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis (TB) and highlighting the critical role of early detection and effective treatment in eliminating the disease.

Oman continues to intensify its efforts to combat TB, one of the world’s most serious infectious diseases and a leading cause of death globally. Through comprehensive programmes focusing on prevention, early detection, treatment and public awareness, the country has succeeded in maintaining low infection rates.

According to the Ministry of Health, Oman is classified internationally as a low-TB-burden country. In 2025, the infection rate stood at about 8.5 cases per 100,000 population, with an average of nearly 300 cases recorded annually. Most cases are reported among expatriates arriving from countries with higher TB prevalence, often due to the activation of previously latent infections influenced by environmental, nutritional and immunity-related factors.

In recent years, Oman has made notable progress in combating TB, including the launch of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy (2021–2025), strengthening electronic surveillance and reporting systems, and linking contact-tracing data with confirmed cases.

The ministry also implements community-based directly observed treatment programmes to support patients and ensure adherence to treatment plans. In addition, screening and treatment for latent TB among new arrivals were introduced in four governorates in 2024 as an initial phase to limit the spread of infection within the community.

Health awareness remains a key pillar of Oman’s strategy. Educational campaigns highlighting TB symptoms, transmission methods and the importance of early diagnosis are regularly disseminated through the ministry’s digital platforms in seven languages to reach diverse segments of society.

The ministry relies on highly accurate laboratory testing and epidemiological investigation of contacts to detect cases early. Free treatment is provided to all patients, with continuous monitoring throughout the treatment period – which may last six months or longer in some cases – to ensure full recovery.

Oman has achieved high treatment success rates in line with international standards recommended by the World Health Organization. In 2024, the treatment completion rate among Omani and resident patients reached around 88%.

The ministry is also strengthening partnerships with government entities, the private sector and civil society organisations to support TB control programmes through joint awareness initiatives and community participation in prevention and early detection efforts.

As part of World TB Day activities, landmarks across the country are illuminated in collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organization, reaffirming Oman’s commitment to global efforts to eliminate the disease.

The Ministry of Health is currently working on updating the national TB elimination strategy for its next phase, expanding screening programmes for latent TB among expatriates to cover all governorates, and enhancing community awareness about the disease and preventive measures.

Health authorities stressed that early detection and strict adherence to treatment remain the cornerstone of TB control, urging individuals experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough for more than two weeks, weight loss or fever to seek medical attention promptly.