LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Southern Region continues to bear the highest burden of Tuberculosis (TB) in Malawi, recording 9,630 cases so far in 2025, a slight drop from 10,019 in 2023.
This was revealed by the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Elimination Program (NTLEP) in an interview with Maravi Post on Tuesday, July 14.
The Central Region follows with 6,970 TB cases this year, also down from 7,195 in 2023.
The Northern Region registered the fewest cases, with 1,710 in 2025 compared to 1,815 the previous year.
In an interview with MaraviPost, NTLEP representative Dickens Chimatilo attributed the high TB burden in the Southern Region to the region’s high population density and the strong correlation between TB and HIV.
“The Southern Region’s TB cases remain high, partly due to the high prevalence of HIV. TB is an opportunistic infection that often affects people living with HIV, weakening their immune systems,” explains Chimatilo.
He added that despite a slight decline in numbers across all regions, the program is concerned about undiagnosed and untreated cases, which continue to fuel transmission, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB remains one of the top infectious disease killers globally, and Malawi is still among the high-burden countries. The NTLEP has emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, community awareness, and adherence to treatment to curb the spread.
Health authorities are calling for strengthened collaboration with community health workers, increased mobile screening campaigns, and the integration of TB and HIV services to improve early detection and reduce co-infections.
As Malawi moves forward in its fight against TB, stakeholders are urging continued investment in diagnostic tools, medication supply, and community-based education to close the detection gap and ensure no one is left behind.
