The World Health Organization will issue updated TB diagnostics guidance recommending a new class of near‑point‑of‑care molecular tests with lower unit costs, use of tongue swab sampling for automated MDx and near‑point‑of‑care systems, and sputum pooling strategies to reduce testing costs. WHO said the guidance and an operational toolkit will aim to close diagnostic gaps and accelerate early detection of TB and rifampicin‑resistant TB. WHO director Tereza Kasaeva urged countries and partners to implement the recommendations to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. The move is framed as a programmatic step to broaden access to molecular diagnostics in resource‑constrained settings and to improve TB case detection at earlier stages.