World Health Organization's annual TB report for 2024

WHO Reports 8.2 Million TB Cases and 1.25 Million Deaths in 2023, Reclaiming Top Infectious Disease Killer Status

Oct 29, 2024, 05:45 PM

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a significant resurgence of tuberculosis (TB), which has reclaimed its position as the leading infectious disease killer globally, surpassing COVID-19. In 2023, approximately 8.2 million new cases of TB were diagnosed, marking the highest number recorded since WHO began monitoring the disease in 1995. This figure represents an increase from 7.5 million cases in 2022. While the number of TB-related deaths decreased slightly from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023, the overall incidence of the disease remains concerning, with an estimated 10.8 million people falling ill. The WHO also highlighted the ongoing crisis of multidrug-resistant TB, with only 44% of the estimated 400,000 individuals diagnosed and treated in 2023. Furthermore, half of the households affected by TB in low- and middle-income countries face catastrophic costs related to diagnosis and treatment, exceeding 20% of their annual income. The data underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and action against TB, particularly as it affects vulnerable populations.