Global Tuberculosis Cases Reach Record High, WHO Reports
By DAYO ADESULU
Alarming Increase in TB Diagnoses Amid Ongoing Challenges
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that a record 8.2 million new tuberculosis (TB) cases were diagnosed worldwide in 2023, marking the highest number since the organization began monitoring TB globally in 1995. This troubling statistic is part of the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, released on Tuesday, which highlights a mixed landscape in the global fight against TB, characterized by significant challenges, including underfunding.
Key Findings from the Report
- Increase in New Cases: The number of new TB cases rose from 7.5 million in 2022 to 8.2 million last year. However, WHO estimates suggest that the actual number of people who contracted TB may be around 10.8 million.
- Decline in Deaths: TB-related deaths decreased slightly, from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023, indicating some progress in treatment and prevention efforts.
- Persistent Outrage: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed outrage over the continued impact of TB, stating, “The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage, when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it.” He urged countries to fulfill their commitments to combat TB.
- Global Incidence Rate: The TB incidence rate stood at 134 new cases per 100,000 people, reflecting a 0.2-percent increase compared to the previous year.
Disparities in Disease Burden
The report emphasizes that TB disproportionately affects individuals in 30 high-burden countries, with India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, and Pakistan accounting for over half of the global TB burden. Notably, India alone represents more than a quarter of all cases.
Demographic data from the report reveals:
- 55% of new TB cases were men
- 33% were women
- 12% were children and young adolescents
Risk Factors for TB
The WHO identified several major risk factors contributing to the rise in TB cases, including:
- Undernutrition
- HIV infection
- Alcohol use disorders
- Diabetes
- Smoking, particularly among men
Funding Gaps and Future Goals
Despite the pressing need for resources, only $5.7 billion of the $22 billion required for global TB prevention and care was available last year. The report highlights that global milestones and targets for reducing the TB disease burden are currently off-track.
In 2023, TB is estimated to have returned as the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, surpassing COVID-19 after a three-year period where the latter dominated health concerns.
Conclusion
The WHO’s report underscores the urgent need for increased funding, improved access to TB prevention and treatment, and a global commitment to tackling this preventable and curable disease. As the world faces rising TB cases, collective action is essential to turn the tide against this infectious disease and protect public health.
