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WHO Reports First Post‑Pandemic Declines in Tuberculosis as Diagnoses Reach Record

The agency warns funding shortfalls, including donor pullbacks, threaten fragile progress.

Overview

  • An estimated 1.23 million people died from TB in 2024, with global illness rates down about 2% for the first annual decline since COVID‑19 disruptions.
  • Roughly 8.3 million people were newly diagnosed and treated in 2024, about 78% of those estimated to have fallen ill, reflecting improved case detection.
  • Thirty high‑burden countries accounted for 87% of estimated cases, with eight nations making up 67% of the total; India alone accounted for 25% of cases.
  • India reported a 21% drop in TB incidence since 2015 and higher treatment coverage, yet it still recorded the largest share of global cases and a major share of deaths.
  • WHO says only US$5.9 billion was available for TB services in 2024 versus a US$22 billion annual need, and modeling warns prolonged donor cuts could add up to 2 million deaths and 10 million illnesses by 2035.