The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report unveiling a concerning trend in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). The report reveals a significant increase in newly diagnosed cases worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 8.2 million people contracted TB – the highest number since global monitoring began in 1995. While there has been a positive reduction in TB deaths by nearly 70,000 people, TB remains the leading infectious disease killer globally.
Five countries – India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan – bear the brunt of the TB burden, accounting for 56% of all cases worldwide. Despite advancements in anti-tuberculosis drugs, rapid diagnostics, and other tools, the disease continues to spread and claim lives.
The report identifies several critical challenges hindering progress against TB:
• Global Underfunding: The report highlights a significant funding gap. In 2023, the estimated need for TB control was $22 billion, with only $5.7 billion allocated.
• Drug-Resistant Strains: The emergence of drug-resistant forms of TB poses a major threat. Treatment success rates for these strains are significantly lower, at around 68%.
• Financial Barriers: Over 20% of people with TB face catastrophic costs for diagnosis and treatment, creating a significant barrier to care.
• Research Shortfall: Underinvestment in research hampers the development of new vaccines and anti-tuberculosis drugs.
• Social Determinants of Health: Malnutrition, HIV, alcohol abuse, smoking, and diabetes are all identified as contributing factors to TB susceptibility.
• Political Commitment: Addressing TB requires strong political will to ensure adequate resources and prioritize TB control efforts.
The WHO report underscores the urgent need for increased global commitment to address the rise in TB cases. This includes significantly increased funding, intensified research efforts, improved access to care, and addressing the social determinants that exacerbate TB vulnerability.
Read the full report here: https://www.who.int/teams/global-tuberculosis-programme/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2023