A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that tuberculosis (TB) has re-emerged as the top infectious disease killer worldwide. In 2023, around 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB, the highest number recorded since 1995. This figure marks an increase from 7.5 million in 2022, placing TB as the leading cause of infectious disease death, surpassing COVID-19.
The report indicates a mixed global response in the fight against TB, with significant underfunding posing ongoing challenges. In the Americas, approximately 342,000 people were diagnosed with TB in 2023, a 6.6% increase from the previous year. However, TB-related deaths in the region fell by 5.4% due to improved diagnosis and treatment rates, which rose from 76% in 2022 to 78% in 2023.
The disease disproportionately affects populations in 30 high-burden countries, with India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan accounting for 56% of global cases. In the Americas, eight countries make up 80% of TB cases, while several Caribbean nations have achieved low incidence rates, nearing disease elimination.
In 2023, a notable reduction in the gap between estimated TB cases and reported cases was observed, thanks to sustained efforts to address disruptions caused by COVID-19. Preventive TB treatments continue for people with HIV and are increasingly available to household contacts of those with TB.
Despite advancements, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) remains a major health concern. While treatment success rates for MDR/RR-TB have reached 68%, only 44% of the estimated 400,000 affected individuals were diagnosed and treated in 2023.
To combat TB more effectively, there is an urgent need for enhanced funding and new strategies, including the adoption of rapid molecular testing at the primary care level and AI-assisted radiography for identifying cases in vulnerable communities. Shorter, more manageable oral treatments are also recommended for prevention and treatment.
Funding remains critically low, with only 26% of the US$22 billion global annual target met in 2023. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which bear the brunt of the TB burden, face significant financial shortages. Global funding for TB research is also far below target, hindering the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.
Sustained investment is essential to support progress toward TB elimination and ensure that diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic tools are accessible to those who need them most.
