Mongolia remains among the highest tuberculosis (TB) burden countries in the Western Pacific Region. The latest estimates show a slight decline in TB incidence from 448 per 100 000 in 2023 to 446 per 100 000 in 20241, although this remains well above the global average of 134 per 100 0001. TB mortality has also stabilized, with 11 deaths per 100 000 (≈370 deaths) among HIV-negative individuals and 0.21 per 100 000 (≈7 deaths) among people living with HIV1. Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) levels remain steady, with an estimated 1000 MDR/RR-TB cases (29 per 100 000) and resistance rates of 6.3% among new patients and 7.5%1 among previously treated patients. This underscores the need to continue strengthening diagnostic capacity, rapid molecular testing, and adherence-focused treatment support.
Despite modest declines, the stabilization of TB and DR-TB indicators signals progress in preventing further escalation of the epidemic. Key contributing factors include Mongolia’s continued political commitment, the expansion of primary health care (PHC) services, improved access to rapid GeneXpert testing, and strong multisectoral collaboration
Social determinants, such as urban overcrowding, migration and socio-economic vulnerabilities continue to influence the epidemic but are progressively being addressed through community outreach and integrated social protection schemes.
Looking ahead, Mongolia is accelerating efforts toward ending TB by 2035 through the newly endorsed National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis (2025–2028), underpinned by the systems optimization approach. Priority actions include expanding PHC-led TB detection, scaling digital registries, integrating TB screening into routine preventive services, strengthening treatment coverage and patient support, and enhancing community engagement2.
These forward actions, combined with sustained investment and international partnerships, will be central to reducing TB incidence and mortality and advancing Mongolia’s goal of a TB-free nation.
References:
1 Global TB report, 2025
2National Strategic Plan for TB, 2025 - 2028, National Tuberculosis Programme, Mongolia