WHO Releases Policy Brief on Priority Setting in TB Program Planning

14 November 2025

14 November 2025 | Geneva — The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new policy brief on priority setting in tuberculosis programme planning to support national TB programmes in setting priorities and allocating resources based on strategic, evidence-informed and people-centred approaches aimed at accelerating progress towards ending the TB epidemic. The brief introduces a structured approach to priority setting, emphasizing transparency, inclusion, evidence-based decision-making, and accountability as key principles for effective and equitable TB programme planning.

The new WHO brief also outlines strategies to mitigate the impact of unexpected funding shortfalls, including improving efficiency, integrating TB care within primary health care-oriented health systems, and safeguarding high-impact, life-saving interventions.

“Effective priority-setting is not a one-off exercise – it is the compass that guides countries through changing epidemics, shifting resources and evolving health systems. With this policy brief, we are equipping national TB programmes with the tools to steer their efforts with evidence, equity and impact”, Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director, WHO Department for HIV, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and STIs.

Prioritization is a critical element of the planning cycle that guides resource mobilization and allocation, and enhances programme efficiency. Considering resource constraints and competing health priorities, prioritization is essential in sustaining and expanding TB services.

Despite major advances in prevention and care, the global TB burden remains high. In 2024, global investments in TB fell to just US$5.9 billion – covering only 27% of the US$22 billion needed annually by 2027 to meet the targets set at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB. Cuts to international donor funding from 2025 onward pose a serious challenge. Modelling studies have already warned that long-term cuts to international donor funding could result in up to 2 million additional deaths and 10 million people falling ill with TB between 2025 and 2035.

WHO stands ready to facilitate peer-learning exchanges and the documentation of good practices on priority setting in TB programme planning.

 

Source: WHO