MUSCAT : Oman continues its tireless efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB), a major global health challenge and one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide. Through integrated national programs focused on prevention, early detection, treatment, and public awareness, the country has successfully maintained its classification as a low-infection nation by international standards.

In 2025, Oman recorded an infection rate of approximately 8.5 cases per 100,000 people, with around 300 cases reported annually. Most cases are linked to arrivals from high-infection countries, where latent infections may develop into active TB due to factors such as environmental changes, nutrition, and immunity.

Significant progress has been achieved under the National Strategy for the Elimination of Tuberculosis (2021–2025), including enhanced surveillance systems, electronic reporting, and improved tracking of contacts linked to confirmed cases. The Ministry of Health has also implemented a direct community treatment program to ensure patients adhere to treatment plans, alongside latent TB screening initiatives launched in four governorates since 2024.

The Ministry continues to prioritise health education, publishing multilingual awareness materials across digital platforms to inform the public about TB symptoms, transmission, and the importance of early diagnosis. High-precision laboratory testing and epidemiological investigations remain key pillars of early detection efforts.

Treatment for tuberculosis in Oman is provided free of charge, with patients closely monitored throughout the treatment period, which can extend to six months or more. The country has achieved high success rates in treatment, in line with World Health Organization standards, with a treatment completion rate of approximately 88 percent in 2024 among Omani citizens and residents.

Preventive measures include screening high-risk groups such as immunocompromised individuals, healthcare workers, and arrivals from high-prevalence countries, as well as testing individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases.

To mark World Tuberculosis Day, the Ministry of Health is rolling out awareness campaigns across the Sultanate, including digital outreach and community initiatives. These efforts are supported by partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and civil society organisations to strengthen prevention and early detection.

Landmarks such as the Oman Across the Ages Museum will also be illuminated in collaboration with international organisations, including the World Health Organization, to highlight the importance of global cooperation in eliminating the disease.

Looking ahead, the Ministry is working on Phase II of the National TB Elimination Strategy, focusing on a multi-sectoral approach, addressing social determinants of the disease, and expanding screening programs for expatriates across all governorates.

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