Global TB Cases Surge, Becoming Top Infectious Disease Killer Again

Global TB Cases Surge, Becoming Top Infectious Disease Killer Again

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases, with over 8 million diagnoses and 1.25 million deaths in 2023, making TB the leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed frustration at the high toll TB continues to take despite available prevention, detection, and treatment tools. He urged countries to act on their commitments to utilize these tools more effectively and end TB.

The disease disproportionately impacts regions in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific, with India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan accounting for over half of global cases. Men make up 55% of those affected, while women account for 33%, and children and adolescents 12%.

According to the report, five main risk factors contribute to TB’s spread: undernutrition, HIV, alcohol abuse, smoking (predominantly in men), and diabetes. Addressing these and related social issues like poverty requires a coordinated global response.

Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Programme director, highlighted several pressing challenges, including funding gaps, the financial strain on those affected, climate change, conflict, displacement, pandemics, and drug-resistant TB, which adds to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. She called for a united approach to tackle these challenges and ramp up efforts to eliminate TB.