The “World Health Organization” announced that tuberculosis remains the deadliest infectious disease worldwide, claiming the lives of approximately 1.23 million people last year. The organization warned that the notable progress recently made in combating this disease remains fragile and reversible.
An annual report issued by the “World Health Organization” showed a 3% decrease in deaths caused by tuberculosis compared to 2023, while the number of infections decreased by about 2%.
It is estimated that 10.7 million people were infected with tuberculosis worldwide in 2024, including 5.8 million men, 3.7 million women, and 1.2 million children.
It is worth mentioning that tuberculosis is a preventable and treatable disease, caused by bacteria that often affect the lungs, and is transmitted through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or spit.
Decrease in TB infections
WHO official Tereza Kasaeva explained:
- “For the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to disruptions in health services, the number of TB infections and deaths from it has decreased.”
- “Budget cuts and the ongoing factors of the pandemic may lead to the loss of hard-won progress… But political commitment, sustainable investment, and international solidarity can enable us to reverse this trend and eliminate this ancient scourge once and for all.”
Funding for tuberculosis control efforts has faced challenges since 2020. Last year, only $5.9 billion was available for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, an amount far less than the estimated needs of $22 billion annually through 2027.
(“AFP”)
