ULAN BATOR, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia recorded a total of 2,851 new tuberculosis (TB) cases in 2025, including 182 deaths, the country's Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday.

According to a ministry statement, around 130 of the reported cases were identified as multidrug-resistant TB.

"The key to combating tuberculosis lies in early detection, timely diagnosis, and completion of treatment. If these measures are effectively implemented, eliminating tuberculosis is both achievable and within reach," said Jigjidsuren Chinburen, Mongolia's Minister of Health, at a press conference held to mark World TB Day.

Chinburen noted that Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, has made notable progress in its fight against tuberculosis in recent years. He highlighted that molecular diagnostic technologies have been introduced in 78 health institutions nationwide, while artificial intelligence-based digital X-ray diagnostics have also begun to be utilized.

However, he emphasized that tuberculosis remains more prevalent among vulnerable and low-income populations. In some cases, even after diagnosis, patients do not complete their treatment.

The minister urged the public to undergo tuberculosis testing if they have experienced a persistent cough lasting more than 14 days.

Meanwhile, at the same conference, Tereza Kasaeva, director of the WHO's Global Tuberculosis Programme, stated that "tuberculosis is not only a disease caused by bacteria, but also a disease driven by inequality."

Kasaeva explained that factors such as overcrowding, malnutrition, alcoholism, smoking, and economic vulnerability contribute to the spread and severity of the disease. She also stressed that eliminating tuberculosis requires coordinated efforts across the health, social protection, education, and labor sectors.

Globally, March 24 is observed as World TB Day to raise public awareness about this highly infectious disease and to strengthen efforts to end the global epidemic. ■