The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report, revealing a concerning increase in global TB cases. Approximately 8.2 million cases were diagnosed in 2023, the highest figure since WHO began tracking the disease in 1995. Last year, 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, making it the world’s deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19.
The report detailed that men accounted for 55% of cases, women 33%, and children and young adolescents 12%. The burden is notably concentrated, with India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan representing 56% of global TB cases.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed frustration that, despite available tools, TB continues to devastate communities. He highlighted the critical funding gap, with current TB funding at $5.7 billion—only 26% of the required amount. The WHO urged countries to increase investment in TB prevention, diagnostics, and treatment to curb the epidemic.
