Tuberculosis (TB) has continued its deadly grip as the world’s leading infectious killer, claiming an estimated 1.23 million lives in 2024, according to a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Although deaths from the disease fell by three percent compared to 2023 and new cases declined by nearly two per cent, the WHO warns that recent progress remains fragile and uneven.
The report reveals that 10.7 million people worldwide contracted TB last year — including 5.8 million men, 3.7 million women, and 1.2 million children.
Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to spread through the air when infected persons cough, sneeze, or spit.
“For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, TB cases and deaths are declining,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “But these gains are at risk if funding and political commitment do not increase.”
The global fight against TB faces a serious funding shortfall.
Only $5.9 billion was available in 2024 for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment — far below the $22 billion annual target set for 2027.
WHO noted that eight countries — including India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — accounted for two-thirds of global TB cases.
Health experts are calling for renewed investment and community action to end TB, stressing that every delay costs thousands of preventable lives.
