On World Tuberculosis Day the World Health Organization issued new guidance endorsing near‑point‑of‑care molecular NAAT tests and use of tongue swabs when sputum is not attainable, urging rapid implementation to close diagnostic gaps. WHO recommended battery‑operated, isothermal platforms meeting performance criteria and highlighted cost and time advantages for devices like PlusLife’s system; pooled sputum testing with LC‑aNAATs was conditionally recommended where resources are limited. WHO framed the guidance as an urgent, cost‑effective step to protect essential TB services and stressed that investments in diagnostics yield large health and economic returns.