For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, TB cases are declining. Yet, funding gaps threaten global progress. Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide, causing over 1.2 million deaths and affecting 10.7 million people last year, reveals the latest WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading infectious cause of death worldwide. Though preventable and curable, it claimed over 1.2 million lives in 2024. Approximately 10.7 million people contracted TB last year, highlighting the ongoing global challenge. The WHO reports that despite recent reductions, the fight against TB is far from over.
Progress and Regional Success
Between 2023 and 2024, TB cases decreased by nearly 2%, while deaths declined 3%. Regions like Africa and Europe achieved impressive reductions from 2015 to 2024, with the African Region reducing TB incidence by 28% and deaths by 46%. Over 100 countries reached at least a 20% reduction in TB incidence rates, showing encouraging progress.
Key Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
In 2024, 8.3 million people diagnosed with TB received treatment, covering about 78% of those infected. Rapid diagnostic testing coverage rose to 54%, improving early detection. The success rate for drug-susceptible TB treatment reached 88%. Additionally, drug-resistant TB cases are falling, and new treatments show growing effectiveness.
Social Protection and Multisectoral Action
Addressing TB requires overcoming drivers like undernutrition, HIV, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use. Social protection remains uneven worldwide; for example, coverage ranges from 3.1% in Uganda to 94% in Mongolia. Coordinated action across sectors, including healthcare and social support, is essential to combat these underlying factors.
Funding Challenges Threaten Progress
Despite gains, funding remains below targets. In 2024, only $5.9 billion was available for TB prevention and care, far less than the $22 billion annual target set for 2027. Reduced international donor support since 2025 risks millions more infections and deaths by 2035. Increased investments are vital to sustain advancements.
FAQ: Tuberculosis Facts
Q: What is tuberculosis?
A: A contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs.
Q: How is TB diagnosed?
A: Through rapid diagnostic tests, sputum analysis, and chest X-rays.
Q: Is TB curable?
A: Yes, with timely treatment involving antibiotics over several months.
Q: What is drug-resistant TB?
A: TB strains that do not respond to standard treatments, requiring specialized drugs.
Optimizing the Fight Against TB
WHO urges global solidarity, political commitment, and intensified research to overcome TB. Vaccine development is advancing, with multiple candidates in clinical trials. Sustained efforts are crucial to eradicate TB, a preventable and curable disease, by 2030.
