The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm as its Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 reveals a concerning spike in TB cases worldwide.
Approximately 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023, the highest number since global monitoring began in 1995.
According to the report, 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, surpassing COVID-19 as the leading infectious disease killer.
The breakdown of cases shows 55% were men, 33% women, and 12% children and young adolescents.
India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan account for a staggering 56% of the global TB burden, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in these regions.
Multidrug-resistant TB remains a significant public health crisis, with only 44% of estimated cases being diagnosed and treated in 2023.
Global funding for TB prevention and care decreased to $5.7 billion in 2023, just 26% of the target. Low- and middle-income countries face significant funding shortages.
Call for Action
WHO urges countries to expand tool usage and end TB, calling for sustained financial investment in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts.
“TB can be prevented, detected, and treated with available tools.
“We must expand tool usage and invest in sustained financial efforts to end TB,” said WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.
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