Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, killing an estimated 1.23 million people in 2024, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report. Pakistan is among eight countries that together account for nearly two-thirds of all global TB cases.
The WHO’s annual Global TB Report shows that while TB deaths fell by 3% and infections dropped by almost 2% compared to 2023, progress remains fragile. An estimated 10.7 million people contracted TB worldwide last year — including 5.8 million men, 3.7 million women, and 1.2 million children.
TB, a preventable and treatable bacterial disease that primarily affects the lungs, spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.
WHO officials noted that both TB cases and deaths have declined for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, which had severely disrupted global healthcare systems.
“Funding cuts and ongoing risk factors threaten to reverse recent gains,” warned Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s Global TB Programme. “With strong political will and global cooperation, it is possible to end this ancient killer.”
Despite progress, financing for TB prevention and treatment remains far below global targets. Only $5.9 billion was allocated in 2024, well short of the $22 billion annual goal set for 2027.
According to WHO, India (25%), Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (3.9%), and Bangladesh (3.6%) were responsible for most of the world’s TB cases last year.
Undernutrition, HIV, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol abuse remain the leading drivers of the epidemic. TB also continues to be the leading cause of death among people living with HIV, claiming 150,000 lives in 2024.
The report highlights some encouraging signs: 8.3 million people were newly diagnosed and treated, the highest number ever recorded, with treatment success rates improving from 68% to 71%. Since 2000, TB treatment efforts have saved an estimated 83 million lives.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the continued loss of life to a preventable disease “unacceptable,” stressing that “progress is not yet victory.”
Research into better diagnostics and vaccines is advancing, with 63 diagnostic tools, 29 drugs, and 18 vaccine candidates currently in development, six of which are in late-stage clinical trials.
Global Fund chief Peter Sands said new tools, including AI-based diagnostics and shorter treatment regimens, are transforming TB detection and management, particularly in low-resource countries.
I lost my father to TB it destroyed his immune system
Despite so much money spent on his treatment. He recovered barely and lost his life due to weakened immune system issues.
Our govt slashed health budget and have it to the rich and the powerful.
This country is going down.