Mónica Seidi highlights exemplary tuberculosis control in the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

Regarding the publication of data on tuberculosis in the Autonomous Region of the Azores in 2024, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security wishes to clarify that the epidemiological trend in the Region continues to demonstrate a solid and consistent control of this disease, in line with the Report on Tuberculosis Surveillance and Monitoring in Portugal – 2024 Data (SVIG-TB 2025), published by the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

According to the report, Portugal recorded its lowest ever number of tuberculosis cases in 2024, with 1,536 reported cases, corresponding to a rate of 14.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

In the Azores, the national SVIG-TB system recorded seven cases, representing a rate of 2.9 per 100,000 inhabitants, the lowest in the country. This figure underlines the excellence of the surveillance and control measures implemented in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

“The fact that the Azores have the lowest rate in the country clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of our surveillance system and the quality of the response from the Regional Health Service,” stated the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi.

The DGS report explicitly states that, in the Autonomous Regions, “the quality and comprehensiveness of the data do not allow for an independent analysis with respect to the national figures, due to reported faults in the computerised notification system.”

The apparent sharp drop in cases in the Azores (from 19 in 2023 to seven in 2024) is due to technical constraints in data reporting and does not reflect an epidemiological change. The reported figures continue to demonstrate excellent control.

Despite the specific challenges associated with the archipelago’s geographical dispersion, particularly inter-island travel and resource management, the Regional Health Service has ensured an effective and coordinated response.

The trend in indicators since 2000 confirms this positive path: whilst the national rate fell from 42.9 to 14.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the Azores have consistently maintained figures below the national average. In 2024, the rate of 2.9 represents the lowest figure ever recorded in the Region.

“We have an active, rigorous and ongoing surveillance system, with immediate investigation of all cases and a 100% treatment success rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of our intervention model,” stated Mónica Seidi.