Portugal's tuberculosis fight shows progress but faces rising drug-resistant strains in 2024

Portugal has seen both progress and challenges in its fight against tuberculosis in 2024. While deaths from the disease have dropped sharply over the past decade, cases of multidrug-resistant strains have surged. New data reveals key trends in infection rates, treatment delays, and high-risk groups across the country.

The number of tuberculosis deaths in Portugal fell to 50 in 2024, marking a nearly 70% decline since 2015. At the same time, overall incidence rates dropped by 31.8% over the same period. However, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases rose sharply, with 36 reported in 2024—a 63.6% increase from the previous year.

Treatment success rates reached 82.1% in 2024, reflecting improved medical responses. Yet delays persist, as patients waited an average of 81 days between symptom onset and starting treatment. Health authorities also treated 4,315 cases of latent tuberculosis infection during the year. Lisbon and the Tagus Valley, along with the North region, remain the most affected areas. Migrant populations face a higher burden, with notification rates 2.7 times above the national average. Men make up 64.4% of all reported cases.

The latest figures highlight Portugal's mixed results in controlling tuberculosis. Deaths and overall infections have declined significantly, but rising drug resistance and regional disparities pose ongoing concerns. Health officials continue to focus on early detection and targeted treatment to address the remaining challenges.