Particle.news
Download on the App Store
16 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

WHO Reports First Post‑Pandemic TB Decline as India Makes Gains but Still Leads Global Burden

Stagnant financing now jeopardizes momentum toward End TB targets.

Image
A flag is pictured outside a building of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, April 6, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
The WHO estimates that timely TB treatment has saved 83 million lives since 2000
Image

Overview

  • WHO estimates 10.7 million people fell ill with tuberculosis in 2024 and 1.23 million died, marking the first year-over-year declines since COVID-19 disruptions.
  • About 8.3 million newly diagnosed people accessed treatment in 2024, representing roughly 78% of those who became ill, as service recovery continued.
  • Eight countries accounted for 67% of global TB cases, led by India at 25%, with the WHO South-East Asia, Western Pacific and African regions bearing most of the burden.
  • India’s incidence fell 21% since 2015 to 187 per 100,000, treatment coverage exceeded 92% in 2024, and intensified screening sharply reduced 'missing' cases.
  • Funding for TB programmes totaled US$5.9 billion in 2024, far below needs, with WHO warning that ongoing donor cuts could add up to 10 million cases and 2 million deaths by 2035.