by Ashis Sinha
Tuberculosis (TB) has once again emerged as the world’s leading infectious killer, surpassing COVID-19 in terms of mortality, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization reports that TB claims two lives every three minutes, highlighting the ongoing global health crisis and the urgent need for enhanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
The WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2024 reveals significant strides in addressing the disease, particularly in India, which has achieved a 17.7% reduction in TB cases between 2015 and 2023—well above the global average of 8.3%. Building on these gains, India has set an ambitious target to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal of 2030. The government has launched numerous campaigns to raise awareness about the disease, emphasizing timely treatment and early detection.
Despite progress in certain regions, the global battle against TB remains far from won. In 2023, TB was responsible for 1.25 million deaths, including 161,000 among people living with HIV. The disease has likely reclaimed its position as the world’s top infectious killer following the COVID-19 pandemic. TB is also the leading cause of death among people with HIV and a major contributor to deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance.
The WHO estimates that 10.8 million people fell ill with TB in 2023, affecting 6 million men, 3.6 million women, and 1.3 million children. TB continues to affect individuals across all age groups and regions, but with proper medical care and early diagnosis, it is both preventable and treatable.
A critical challenge in the fight against TB is the rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). This strain of the disease poses a significant public health threat, as treatment options are limited and costly. In 2023, only about 40% of people with drug-resistant TB were able to access the necessary treatment.
The global response to TB has saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000. However, the WHO has emphasized that achieving the 2027 target to end TB will require approximately US$ 22 billion annually to support prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care efforts. The goal to eradicate TB by 2030 remains a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Experts stress the importance of addressing social determinants of health and ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that bear the highest burden of the disease. Continued research, improved funding, and robust public health initiatives are essential to mitigate the devastating impact of TB and ultimately eliminate it.
Key Facts about Tuberculosis
Transmission: TB is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. It mainly affects the lungs but can impact other organs like the kidneys, brain, and spine.
Symptoms: Persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
Risk Factors: Conditions such as diabetes, malnutrition, and weakened immune systems increase the risk of developing TB. Smoking and alcohol use are also contributing factors.
Treatment: TB is curable with antibiotics. However, without proper treatment, it can be fatal. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine helps prevent TB, particularly in young children.
Impact on HIV: People living with HIV are particularly vulnerable to TB, with 161,000 deaths from HIV-associated TB in 2023.
MDR-TB: The emergence of multidrug-resistant TB is a growing concern, requiring more expensive and toxic medications. However, access to these treatments remains limited.
As the global community continues to battle TB, securing adequate funding and resources for prevention, diagnosis, and care will be crucial in achieving the goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
