By Franca Ofili
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, revealing an alarming increase in TB cases worldwide.
Nearly 8.2 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2023, the highest number since WHO began global TB surveillance in 1995, the report said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the report, 10.8 million people will fall ill with TB in 2023, with TB becoming the leading infectious disease killer, overtaking COVID-19.
It said analysis of the cases showed that 55 percent were men, 33 percent were women and 12 percent were children and young adolescents.
“India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Pakistan account for 56 percent of the global TB burden.”
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus expressed outrage that despite available means of prevention, millions of people are dying and falling ill from TB.
Challenges include significant shortfalls, he said, with global funding reduced to $5.7 billion (26 percent of the target), and multidrug-resistant TB remains a public health crisis. Low and middle income countries face shortage of funds.
WHO urges countries to expand access to the tool and end TB, calling for continued financial investment in TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment efforts.(NAN)
FNO/ADM
Source link