According to WHO data, in 2024, tuberculosis was responsible for the deaths of more than 1.2 million people and affected about 10.7 million individuals, remaining one of the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world.
The report indicates that between 2023 and 2024, tuberculosis incidence decreased by nearly two percent, while the mortality rate fell by three percent.
However, complete eradication of this disease is impossible without significant progress in high-burden countries. In 2024, 87 percent of new cases were reported in 30 countries, with eight countries, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bangladesh, accounting for 67 percent of the total cases.
The report also highlights that since 2000, timely treatment has helped save about 83 million lives. In 2024, 8.3 million people received treatment, which is 78 percent of all those infected. In 54 percent of cases, the disease was diagnosed using rapid methods, and the treatment success rate for drug-sensitive forms of tuberculosis reached 88 percent.
Nevertheless, progress remains far from the goals set by WHO. Funding for tuberculosis control is stagnating: in 2024, only $5.9 billion was raised, which is just over a quarter of the required $22 billion.
A reduction in international aid starting in 2025 could lead to an additional 2 million deaths and 10 million new cases by 2035. Funding for research also leaves much to be desired: in 2023, it amounted to $1.2 billion, which is only 24 percent of the necessary level. However, by August 2025, 63 new diagnostic tests, 29 drugs, and 18 vaccines were in development.
The report emphasizes the importance of considering risk factors such as malnutrition, HIV, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to combating the epidemic.
WHO calls on countries to accelerate efforts to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030.
