Tuberculosis Remains a Global Health Threat, Despite Progress
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 reveals that tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming over 1.2 million lives and affecting 10.7 million people last year. Despite advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and innovation, funding and access to care remain significant challenges in the global fight against TB.
According to the report, the global rate of people falling ill with TB declined by nearly 2% between 2023 and 2024, while deaths from TB fell by 3%. This progress is attributed to the recovery of essential health services following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some regions, such as the WHO African Region, have made significant strides, achieving a 28% reduction in TB incidence rates and a 46% reduction in deaths between 2015 and 2024.
However, ending TB globally will require accelerated progress in countries with the highest burden. In 2024, 87% of the global number of people who developed TB disease was concentrated in 30 countries, with eight countries accounting for 67% of the global total. Major advances have been made in TB diagnosis and treatment, with 8.3 million people newly diagnosed and accessing treatment in 2024, representing about 78% of those who fell ill with the disease.
The report highlights the importance of social protection and multisectoral action in addressing the drivers of the epidemic, including undernutrition, HIV infection, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use. Notably, 19 countries report social protection coverage rates below 50%. Funding gaps also pose a significant challenge, with global funding for TB stagnating since 2020 and international donor funding facing cuts from 2025 onward.
The WHO is calling for sustained political commitment, increased domestic investment, and intensified research to accelerate progress. As Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs, stated, “We are at a defining moment in the fight against TB… with political commitment, sustained investment, and global solidarity, we can turn the tide and end this ancient killer once and for all.” The organization aims to end TB by 2030, and achieving this goal will require collective effort and dedication from governments, healthcare professionals, and the global community.