The UK government has launched efforts to tackle a sharp rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases, urging health professionals, researchers, and those affected by the disease to contribute to a new five-year action plan.

England recorded an 11% increase in TB cases in 2023—the highest annual rise since enhanced surveillance began in 2000. Preliminary data for 2024 suggests an even steeper 13% jump, with cases reaching 5,480, mirroring a global surge in infections.

In response, the government is drafting the National Action Plan (2026-2031) to enhance TB prevention, detection, and control. It is seeking input from academic and healthcare professionals, public health experts, data scientists, and individuals with firsthand experience of the disease.

"TB is both curable and preventable, yet it remains a significant public health challenge in England," said Esther Robinson, head of the TB unit at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Although England is classified as a low-incidence country, Robinson warned that the recent surge has pushed the nation close to the World Health Organization’s threshold of 10 cases per 100,000 people.

Government data shows that 81.5% of TB cases in the UK occur in individuals born outside the country. Research also highlights a strong link between TB and socioeconomic factors, particularly affecting homeless individuals, those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and people involved in the criminal justice system.

"This call for evidence will help us shape an action plan that prioritizes the most effective strategies to reverse this trend, particularly for those most vulnerable," Robinson added.