The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a notable decrease in newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, marking the first decline since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This positive development comes after several years of setbacks in the fight against TB, largely attributed to the global health crisis and its impact on healthcare systems.

According to the latest WHO report, approximately 10.7 million individuals contracted tuberculosis in 2024, representing a 1 percent reduction compared to the previous year. The incidence rate, which measures new cases per 100,000 people, experienced a 1.7 percent drop. While TB remains one of the ten leading causes of death globally, the recent figures suggest progress in ongoing efforts to contain the disease.

Regional Distribution and High-Burden Countries

The report highlights that more than half of all new TB cases identified in 2024 were concentrated in five countries: India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and Pakistan. These nations continue to face significant challenges due to high population density and limited healthcare resources, making TB control particularly difficult.

In contrast, the WHO European region--which includes parts of Asia--has shown substantial improvement. Since 2015, the annual number of TB-related deaths has decreased by 49 percent in this region. Africa has also recorded similar progress, with a marked reduction in TB mortality rates over the same period. Despite these achievements, Asia remains the most heavily affected region, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and resource allocation.

Tuberculosis: Transmission, Impact, and Treatment

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the lungs and is mainly transmitted through airborne particles released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Effective treatment is available, and most patients can recover fully if they receive timely and appropriate therapy. However, without access to proper medical care, nearly half of those infected may not survive the disease.

In 2024, TB claimed the lives of approximately 1.23 million people worldwide, further emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by the infection, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure or constrained resources.

Funding Gaps Threaten Progress

Despite the encouraging decline in new cases, the WHO has expressed concern that financial support for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment has stagnated since 2020. Last year, global funding for TB control amounted to 5.9 billion US dollars, far short of the 22 billion dollars targeted for 2027. The shortfall in funding is attributed to frozen aid contributions from some countries, including significant cuts from the United States, as well as planned reductions by other donor nations.

Global health experts have warned that any further reduction in funding could jeopardize the gains made so far. Interruptions in financial support may lead to setbacks in TB detection and treatment, potentially resulting in hundreds of thousands of additional deaths. The importance of sustained investment in TB control is underscored by the continued commitment of some countries, such as Germany, which recently pledged one billion euros to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria over the next three years.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

While the recent data indicate progress in reducing TB incidence and mortality, the WHO cautions that the fight against tuberculosis is far from over. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted essential health services, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment for many TB patients. As a result, several regions are still struggling to meet internationally set targets for TB reduction.

The WHO emphasizes the need for increased funding, improved access to healthcare, and strengthened disease surveillance to maintain and accelerate progress. Continuing efforts to support high-burden countries, invest in research, and expand treatment programs remain vital to achieving global TB elimination goals.

In summary, the decline in new TB cases and deaths represents a significant achievement in global public health. However, this progress is fragile and dependent on sustained international cooperation and financial commitment. Ongoing vigilance and investment are essential to ensure that the downward trend in tuberculosis incidence continues, ultimately moving closer to the goal of eradicating the disease worldwide.