In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11%) in TB cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000. Provisional figures for 2024 indicate a further 13% rise in TB cases compared to 2023, reflecting global patterns, with many countries experiencing setbacks in TB control efforts in recent years.

The new Tuberculosis National Action Plan (2026–2031) aims to improve the prevention, detection, and control of TB in England by prioritising the most effective interventions, focusing on those most affected, and addressing health inequalities.

The call for evidence seeks insights from academics, health and social care professionals, public health experts, epidemiologists, data and surveillance scientists, civil society representatives, policymakers, politicians and those with lived experience of tuberculosis.

Dr Esther Robinson, head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said: ‘While England is still considered a low-incidence country for TB, the rise in cases over recent years means that we are now just below that threshold.

'This call for evidence will help us develop an action plan that prioritises the most effective interventions to reverse this trend, focusing particularly on the needs of those most affected.'

Evidence can be contributed via GOV.UK and the Call for Evidence will close on 2 May 2025.