Portugal has recorded its lowest number of tuberculosis cases on record, marking a significant milestone in the country’s public health progress even as authorities warn that key challenges remain unresolved. In 2024, a total of 1,536 cases were reported nationwide, reflecting a continued downward trend over the past decade. The notification rate now stands at 14.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, underscoring improvements in disease control and prevention. Health officials say the progress brings Portugal closer to international targets, though the pace of decline is still slower than required to meet long term global health goals.
The reduction represents a nearly one third drop in incidence since 2015, while mortality has declined even more sharply. Only 50 deaths linked to tuberculosis were recorded in 2024, a decrease of almost 70 percent over the same period. Despite these gains, experts caution that the country is still not on track to achieve the World Health Organisation’s target of reducing tuberculosis incidence 90 percent 2035. Officials are now focusing on accelerating progress while maintaining the improvements already achieved in diagnosis and treatment.
Geographically, the highest concentration of cases remains in Lisbon, the Tagus Valley and the northern regions, where population density and socio economic factors continue to influence transmission rates. Urban environments, overcrowding and associated health conditions have long contributed to higher case numbers in these areas. Men remain the most affected demographic, accounting for more than sixty percent of cases, while children and adolescents represent a much smaller share. These patterns reflect long standing epidemiological trends observed across the country.
The data also highlights a disproportionate impact on migrant communities, who account for a growing share of tuberculosis cases. In 2024, migrants represented more than a third of total cases, with infection rates significantly higher than the national average. Health officials attribute this to a combination of factors including access to healthcare, living conditions and delayed diagnosis. The report emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and improve outcomes among vulnerable populations.
Another ongoing concern is the delay between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment, which remains relatively high despite recent improvements. On average, patients waited several weeks before seeking medical help, a factor that continues to hinder early detection efforts. Authorities are calling for increased public awareness and improved health literacy to encourage earlier diagnosis. Reforms have already begun, including integrating tuberculosis consultations into community healthcare systems and establishing specialized referral centers for complex cases.
While overall case numbers are falling, the rise in multidrug resistant tuberculosis presents a new challenge for health authorities. Dozens of such cases were reported in 2024, representing a sharp increase compared to the previous year and highlighting the need for enhanced monitoring and treatment strategies. Officials are strengthening surveillance systems, including molecular level tracking, to better understand transmission patterns and contain outbreaks. At the same time, treatment success rates have reached their highest levels, reflecting improvements in clinical care across the country.
Health authorities stress that tuberculosis remains both preventable and curable, but warn against complacency as progress begins to slow. Increased screening in high risk groups has led to record levels of treatment for latent infections, a key step in reducing future cases. However, experts say sustained effort will be required to address stigma, improve access to care and ensure early intervention. As Portugal continues to advance toward its health targets, the focus is shifting toward closing remaining gaps and maintaining momentum in the fight against the disease.
