close up. doctors in protective masks discussing an x-ray of the lungs . — Doctors in protective masks discussing an x-ray of the lungs.

reduce the rising rates of TB in the UK

Tuberculosis (TB) is often thought of as a disease of the past, but rates in the UK have been rising in recent years. The APPG on Global Tuberculosis (for which Results UK provides the secretariat) has released a report setting out key recommendations to strengthen the UK’s TB response and reinforce the need for sustained political leadership and engagement. This is important because TB places significant pressure on health systems and disproportionately affects some of the most marginalised communities. Decision makers need to be made aware of the findings of this report so that they can act to tackle TB in the UK and around the world.

what

rates of TB are rising in the UK and the country is at risk of losing its WHO low-incidence status

who

UK ministers are currently engaged in discussions on renewal of the National TB Action Plan (2026-2031)

how

share the APPG report with your MP and ask them to press Health Ministers to meaningfully engage with the National Action Plan

rising rates and the need for a National TB Action Plan

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s most serious infectious diseases and is still present in the UK. In recent years, TB rates in the UK have been rising, and the country is now very close to losing its “low incidence” status as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is set at fewer than 10 cases per 100,000 people (the UK currently sits at 9.25 per 100,000). While TB is preventable, treatable and curable, it continues to affect thousands of people in the UK each year, with a disproportionate impact on those experiencing poverty, overcrowding and other health inequalities.

UK ministers are currently engaged in discussions on the renewal of the National TB Action Plan (2026–2031), which will set the direction for how the UK prevents, detects and treats TB over the coming years. This makes the current moment particularly important for ensuring that TB remains a clear political priority.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Tuberculosis has recently published a report setting out recommendations for strengthening the UK’s response to TB. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal cross-party groups of MPs and Peers that focus on specific policy issues and help shape debate and scrutiny in Parliament.

It is vital to ensure that MPs take this moment seriously by writing to ministers to share the APPG report and push for meaningful engagement with the TB strategy process.

what can be done to cut domestic TB cases?

TB is preventable and curable, but continues to spread – this is a result of inequality, including overcrowded housing, insecure living conditions, poor nutrition and barriers to timely healthcare.

The APPG’s report calls for stronger prevention and early detection measures, including equitable access to latent TB testing and treatment, community-based screening approaches and sustained funding for TB teams across the country.

The report also recommends stronger national leadership and coordination, including appointing a named TB Lead within the Department of Health and Social Care and improving coordination between NHS England, UKHSA and local services.

To improve care and reduce inequalities, the report highlights the need for better mental health support, greater financial and practical assistance for people affected by TB and stronger action to tackle stigma and delays in diagnosis.

England’s National TB Action Plan (2021–2026) provides a framework to reduce incidence and improve detection, but rising cases show that stronger coordinated action will be needed in the 2026–2031 renewal.

a new health minister means time is ripe for influence

Support action on rising TB rates in the UK by sharing the APPG on Global Tuberculosis report with your MP and encouraging them to raise it with ministers. This is especially timely following recent changes to the ministerial team at the Department of Health and Social Care, where new appointments mean there is an important opportunity to get TB on the radar early in the new government cycle.

what campaigners have already done in the fight against TB

Campaigners have helped secure major UK political support for the fight against TB globally. Most recently, campaigners took action around the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria replenishment, helping build parliamentary pressure for continued UK leadership and investment in global health.

Campaigners have written to MPs, held parliamentary meetings and kept TB on the political agenda during key funding and policy moments. This grassroots pressure has helped strengthen political awareness of TB and reinforce the importance of sustained action both globally and in the UK.

As TB rates continue to rise in the UK and the National TB Action Plan is renewed, this is another important opportunity to build on that momentum and secure stronger political leadership on TB.

take action!

Please write to your MP, asking them to:

write to ministers responsible for TB policy, urging them to meaningfully engage with the renewal of the National TB Action Plan (2026–2031) and ensure a coordinated, well-resourced response.
join the APPG on Global Tuberculosis if they are not already members, strengthening cross-party leadership on TB.

By taking these actions, you will help ensure TB remains a political priority at a key moment for UK health policy, supporting earlier diagnosis, stronger prevention, and more equitable care for people affected by TB.

Responsible Ministers:

James Murray MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Sharon Hodgson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary for Public Health and Prevention

You can find your constituency MP’s email here (make sure to include your full postal address).

Want tips on how to write a good letter? Use this guide.

Thank you for taking action!

take action!

WRITE to your MP and share the APPG report

ASK them to press heath ministers to engage with its findings and the National Action Plan

ASK your MP to join the APPG on Global Tuberculosis

I took action!

we’re here to support you!

If you have any questions or need support or advice in writing your letter, please contact Will Sewell, Senior Campaigns and Communications Officer, at [email protected]

Fatima’s story: the extra cost of a TB diagnosis

Fatima is a TB survivor, advocate, and mother to two young girls. She contracted multi drug resistant TB (MDR-TB) in 2017 while at university, but her experience extends far beyond the medical diagnosis and treatment. The stigma Fatima faced and had to deal with – resulting from medical and public misconceptions of the disease – over nearly three years was one of the most horrible parts of getting TB. As an advocate, Fatima campaigns for better person-centred care and the need to destigmatise the disease.

As TB rates continue to rise in the UK, more people risk going through experiences similar to Fatima’s. Her story highlights why a coordinated, properly funded and person-centred TB strategy is so important, helping to improve early diagnosis, ensure access to effective treatment and give people affected by TB the support, dignity and care they deserve.

Click here to read Fatima’s story in full.