Despite ongoing global efforts to tackle tuberculosis (TB), the disease remains a leading cause of death, particularly in low-income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.23 million people died of TB in 2024, and it continues to be a major threat to global public health. TB remains a top infectious killer, exacerbated by challenges such as drug resistance, poor healthcare access, and co-infection with HIV.
India, China, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa contribute significantly to the global burden of TB. A recent update to WHO guidelines on TB care emphasizes the need for expansion of rapid diagnostic tests and improved treatment regimens to curb the disease. The rise of drug-resistant strains is particularly concerning, as it complicates treatment and increases the risk of transmission.
The WHO’s End TB Strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 90% by 2030, with a special focus on the most vulnerable groups: people living with HIV, the homeless, and those in areas with inadequate healthcare services. The challenge remains immense, but global collaborations and the development of new vaccines and medications are providing hope.
