On Monday 23 March 2026, the APPG on Global Tuberculosis convened parliamentarians, clinicians, advocates, and individuals with lived experience at the Palace of Westminster to mark World TB Day and launch the findings of its six-month inquiry into rising tuberculosis (TB) rates in the UK.

Chaired jointly by Sojan Joseph MP and Lord Nick Herbert, the event brought together a range of perspectives to reflect on the growing public health challenge posed by TB and to outline the urgent action needed to address it.

Opening the session, the Co-Chairs welcomed attendees and set out the logic behind the inquiry: to better understand the drivers behind increasing TB incidence in the UK and to identify practical, evidence-based policy responses. Drawing on contributions from clinicians, public health experts, civil society organisations, and people affected by TB, the inquiry paints a clear picture of a disease that, while preventable and curable, is once again on the rise.

Dr Jess Potter, Chair of the UK Academics and Professionals to End TB (UKAPTB), provided a clinical overview of the current landscape. She highlighted rising incidence rates and the stark inequalities in who is most affected, alongside key system challenges including workforce pressures, diagnostic delays, and gaps in treatment support. Her remarks underscored a central message of the inquiry: without sustained attention and investment, progress against TB will continue to stall – and may reverse further.

This was followed by a powerful contribution from the father of a boy who was diagnosed with TB at two years old. He shared their family’s lived experience of TB and his testimony brought into sharp focus the human impact of the disease, from the challenges of diagnosis through to the realities of treatment and recovery. His reflections reinforced the importance of patient-centred care and the need for health systems that are responsive, coordinated, and compassionate.

Kinz ul-Eman of the Dopasi Foundation in Pakistan offered an international perspective, reminding attendees that TB remains one of the world’s leading infectious disease killers. Drawing on experiences from high-burden settings, she highlighted the importance of sustained investment, strong public health systems, and global collaboration. Her contribution emphasised the interconnected nature of TB: progress globally and domestically are deeply linked.

The panel discussion that followed on brought these perspectives together, with contributions from parliamentarians and attendees. Discussions focused on the most urgent policy priorities, the role of Parliament in strengthening the UK’s response and the importance of cross-party engagement to drive progress.

In their closing remarks, the Co-Chairs reiterated a clear and urgent message:

TB is a preventable and curable disease, and in a high-income country like the UK, rising rates should not be accepted. The tools to tackle TB already exist, but require stronger coordination, clear leadership, and sustained investment to be fully effective.

They also emphasised that TB cannot be addressed in isolation – effective action must recognise the social as well as medical drivers of the disease.

The event concluded with a call to action for parliamentarians and stakeholders to engage with the inquiry’s findings and recommendations – by sharing the report, advocating for political commitment, and supporting efforts to strengthen the UK’s TB response.

For any queries or support, please contact Aqsa Shah at aqsa.shah@results.org.uk and include “APPG TB Inquiry” in the subject line.