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WHO Reports First Post‑Pandemic Decline in TB as Deaths Fall and Diagnoses Hit Record 8.3 Million

WHO warns progress is fragile due to severe funding shortfalls.

Overview

  • Global TB illness rates fell about 2% in 2024 after three years of increases, with deaths down to an estimated 1.23 million, a 3% drop from 2023.
  • A record 8.3 million people were newly diagnosed and accessed treatment in 2024, reaching roughly 78% of those estimated to have fallen ill.
  • Financing for TB programs totaled $5.9 billion in 2024, far below the $22 billion annual need, and reported donor cuts in 2025 threaten recent gains.
  • Thirty high-burden countries accounted for 87% of estimated cases, with eight nations making up 67% of the total and India leading with about 25%.
  • India reported a 21% decline in incidence since 2015 and high treatment coverage, yet it also accounted for the largest share of MDR/RR‑TB at about 32%, while global treatment success and rapid testing coverage improved.