Strengthening TB Diagnostics in Tanzania for a Safer America

At a glance

  • Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease despite being preventable and curable.
  • Nearly two billion people are infected with TB globally.
  • CDC is improving TB diagnostics in Tanzania with a new in-country proficiency testing system.
  • Advanced molecular machines can be impactful in improving accuracy and reduce testing turnaround time.
Four scientists in white coats labeling tubes

Background

Four lab scientists in white coast labeling tubes.
Lab staff participating in the tube labeling process.

In Tanzania, CDC is improving TB diagnostics by establishing an in-country proficiency testing system. This initiative aims to improve testing accuracy and turnaround time, leading to better treatment outcomes, reduced transmission, and a sustainable framework.

Fact

TB remains the world's deadliest infectious disease despite being preventable and curable. Nearly two billion people or one-quarter of the world's population are infected with TB. In the United States, about 13 million people live with TB infection.

When diagnosing this deadly disease, time is of the essence. Rapid test results allow for earlier treatment, reduced disease transmission, and the identification of drug resistance. Laboratories must shift from traditional microscopes and culture methods. These methods miss half of all TB cases. Adopting advanced molecular machines can significantly improve accuracy and reduce testing turnaround time from 2-9 weeks to less than two hours.

Support in Tanzania

In Tanzania, a country with $778 million in trade with the U.S., advancements in early diagnosis may help reduce the catastrophic costs of TB care. This includes addressing the reduced employment rate that often follows a TB diagnosis.

CDC supports Tanzania's Central Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (CTRL) in overseeing TB diagnostic services across the country. CTRL, in collaboration with CDC, manages over 1,850 diagnostic centers and more than 300 specialized molecular testing sites. These centers and testing sites improve health outcomes, foster a healthy workforce, and contribute to maintaining the effectiveness of first-line drugs for Americans.

Putting the test to the test

lab scientist in white labeling tubes.
A lab staff member conducting sample preparation.

Before 2022, Tanzania relied heavily on proficiency testing samples from international sources, like CDC labs in Atlanta over 8,000 miles away. Samples often experienced delays, creating challenges in maintaining quality, timeliness, and ensuring full coverage across all testing sites. To reduce dependence on external providers, CDC helped CTRL establish in-country proficiency testing to increase the reliability of TB diagnostics across Tanzania – a critical step toward safeguarding the U.S. from imported cases.

Did you know?

Proficiency testing verifies the accuracy and reliability of a testing facility in performing specific tests by sending samples to a participating laboratory to determine if they can accurately test and report the results. CDC developed the innovative technology for laboratories to produce HIV and TB proficiency testing samples. This process helps ensure that labs provide reliable and accurate test results, which is important for diagnosing diseases and ensuring patient safety.

Launch and expansion

The transition to an in-country proficiency testing system is crucial for establishing a sustainable framework that yields accurate and consistent TB test results across all centers. CDC strengthens the system by procuring essential supplies, facilitating the shipment of panels to testing sites, and mentoring labs to achieve international accreditation. The scale-up and impact have been rapid:

  • In 2022, an orientation introduced over 80 diagnostic sites to the new system as part of a pilot program. Six months later, coverage expanded by 50 percent to include 120 diagnostic sites.
  • In 2024, over 74 percent of TB molecular testing sites were serviced by the program. CDC is supporting expansion to 100 percent of sites by the end of 2025.
  • As of 2024, 92 percent of people suspected of TB in Tanzania received molecular testing – nearly double the global coverage (48 percent) and close to the 100 percent target worldwide by 2027.
"We are overcoming supply and diagnostic challenges to create a reliable system that will deliver accurate TB test results across all sites, ensuring better health outcomes for the whole country."

- Tanzania Ministry of Health's Program Manager

Together, CDC and the CTRL are working towards a fully integrated and sustainable system for TB diagnostics throughout Tanzania.

A safer future for us all

Through CDC support, labs across the country can better and more quickly identify TB cases, closing the 25 percent gap for those who are undiagnosed and untreated and further preventing transmission and drug resistance. This cost-effective system can also be leveraged to detect other known and emerging infectious diseases – including RSV, malaria, and Ebola – facilitating timely outbreak detection and response.

Fact

CDC has scaled rapid and accurate TB testing to over 1,450 testing sites across 27 countries, as of June 2025.

Significant strides have been made in molecular diagnostics and laboratory efficiency – key components to eliminating TB. With Tanzania on track to achieve nationwide coverage of molecular diagnostics in 2025, these advancements improve health outcomes nationally and bolster global health efforts to prevent a resurgence worldwide.

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Content Source:
Global Health Center