Story perspectives

WHO Recommends Affordable TB Testing Solutions for 2026

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued policy recommending affordable near-point-of-care molecular tests for tuberculosis, including tongue swabs when sputum cannot be obtained.
The Global Fund is collaborating with 13 high TB burden countries to implement these tests in 2026.
The WHO will publish an operational handbook guiding adoption.
The policy notes TB testing in resource-constrained settings and cites India as an example where affordable locally manufactured tests are now available.

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Story summary

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued policy recommending affordable near-point-of-care molecular tests for tuberculosis, including tongue swabs when sputum cannot be obtained.
The Global Fund is collaborating with 13 high TB burden countries to implement these tests in 2026.
The WHO will publish an operational handbook guiding adoption.
The policy notes TB testing in resource-constrained settings and cites India as an example where affordable locally manufactured tests are now available.