Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) remains a primary health challenge in Libya, exacerbated by the influx of illegal migrants and rising rates of treatment non-compliance. At the start of this year, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) launched a rigorous emergency plan to enhance surveillance and early detection, ensuring patients complete their medical protocols to curb infection rates and safeguard public health.
Haider Al-Sayeh, Director General of the NCDC, revealed that 3,083 confirmed TB cases have been documented since the beginning of the year out of 6,194 suspected cases screened. Al-Sayeh noted that non-Libyans account for 59% of confirmed infections, compared to 41% among citizens, reflecting the health complexities associated with illegal migration. He highlighted that previous health alerts were issued after observing migrants failing to finish their treatments, a trend that risks the emergence of drug-resistant TB. Consequently, an action plan is now in effect, conducting over 1,200 daily screenings and enforcing strict measures: patients in shelters are prohibited from leaving until treatment completion, and mandatory quarantine is applied to separate the infected, with immediate reporting of new arrivals coordinated through the Public Prosecution and the Anti-Illegal Immigration Center in East Tripoli.
Najia Rashid, Director of the TB Control Department, stated that Libya’s infection rate stands at approximately 40 cases per 100,000 people, with 2,705 cases recorded in 2024. For 2025, non-Libyans represent 60% of registered cases. Rashid emphasized that diagnostic and treatment services remain free and accessible, stressing the importance of cross-sector cooperation. The Ministry of Health has urged citizens to seek early screening if symptoms such as persistent bloody cough, weight loss, or night sweats appear. The Ministry reiterated that TB is curable if diagnosed early and the full treatment protocol is followed, noting that the greatest challenge lies in drug-resistant strains caused by interrupted therapy. Strengthening community awareness and coordinating health and security efforts remain vital to protecting both residents and citizens from the spread of the epidemic.