TB remains "one of the world's deadliest infectious killers”—WHO
The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 notes that while cases and deaths are declining, stagnant funding and unequal access to care threaten progress. “Declines in the global burden of TB, and progress in testing, treatment, social protection and research are all welcome news after years of setbacks, but progress is not victory,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “The fact that TB continues to claim over a million lives each year, despite being preventable and curable, is simply unconscionable.”
Between 2023 and 2024, TB infections fell by nearly 2%, while deaths decreased by 3%, reflecting recovery in health services after COVID-19. Africa recorded a 28% drop in TB incidence and a 46% reduction in deaths since 2015, while Europe achieved 39% and 49% declines, respectively. Over 100 countries reduced TB incidence by at least 20%, and 65 nations cut TB-related deaths by 35% or more.
Despite progress, TB remains highly concentrated: in 2024, 87% of new cases occurred in 30 countries, with India, Indonesia, and the Philippines alone accounting for over two-thirds of global cases.
Access to treatment improved, with 8.3 million people receiving care in 2024—roughly 78% of those infected—and rapid testing coverage rose from 48% to 54%. However, funding remains insufficient, with only $5.9 billion available for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in 2024, far below the $22 billion annual target for 2027. Modeling warns that prolonged funding shortfalls could cause 2 million additional deaths and 10 million new infections by 2035.
“We are at a defining moment in the fight against TB,” said Tereza Kasaeva, WHO director for HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and STIs. She stressed that political commitment, global solidarity, and increased research are essential to prevent the epidemic from reversing hard-won gains.
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