The World Health Organisation, (WHO) report has revealed that approximately 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2023, marking the highest number recorded since global TB monitoring began in 1995.
This figure is up from 7.5 million in 2022, solidifying TB’s position as the leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19.
The Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 published on WHO’s website indicates that while TB-related deaths decreased from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023, the overall incidence of TB rose slightly to an estimated 10.8 million cases.
The report highlights that 56% of the global TB burden is concentrated in five countries: India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%).
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed concern over the figures. “The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage when we have the tools to prevent, detect, and treat it,” he stated, urging countries to meet their commitments to combat the disease.
Funding for TB prevention and care continues to be a significant issue, with only $5.7 billion available of the $22 billion target in 2023.
Low- and middle-income countries, which bear 98% of the TB burden, face severe funding shortages. “Sustained financial investment is crucial for the success of TB prevention and treatment efforts,” Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme stated.
The report also found that nearly half of TB-affected households incur catastrophic costs, spending over 20% of their annual income on treatment.
Multidrug-resistant TB remains a critical concern, with only 44% of those diagnosed receiving necessary treatment.
