Tuberculosis (TB) killed 1.23 million people worldwide in 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a 3 percent decline in TB deaths compared to 2023. The UN health agency also reported an almost 2 percent drop in overall TB cases, signaling a positive trend for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global health programs.

Record Numbers Access TB Treatment

The WHO’s annual Global Tuberculosis Report revealed that 8.3 million people received treatment after being newly diagnosed with TB in 2024, a record figure. Treatment success rates also improved, rising from 68 percent to 71 percent, highlighting renewed progress in combating this preventable and curable disease.

“Declines in the global burden of TB and progress in testing, treatment, social protection, and research are all welcome news after years of setbacks, but progress is not victory,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

Despite these improvements, the UN agency cautioned that insufficient funding threatens to reverse hard-won gains, leaving millions vulnerable to the disease.

Shortfall in International Aid Poses Risks

In 2024, only $5.9 billion was available for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, far below the $22 billion annual target set for 2027. WHO officials warn that prolonged funding shortfalls could lead to up to 2 million additional deaths and 10 million new TB cases between 2025 and 2035.

“The fact that TB continues to claim over a million lives each year despite being preventable and curable is simply unconscionable,” Tedros added.

The WHO’s financial situation was further strained when the United States withdrew funding in January, resulting in a 21 percent cut to the agency’s proposed spending. This reduction, particularly from the US Agency for International Development, has raised concerns about the future of global TB treatment programs.

TB Deaths Remain High Despite Progress

Although TB deaths in 2024 were 29 percent lower than in 2015, the WHO had targeted a 75 percent reduction by 2025 and a 90 percent reduction by 2030. The agency emphasized that, without sustained international support, these targets may not be met.

“Long-term cuts to donor funding could severely undermine progress and put millions more at risk,” said Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s division for tuberculosis, HIV, and related infections.

Global Health Implications

Critical international aid in 2024 helped prevent 3.65 million deaths, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in TB programs. The WHO has stressed the need for expanded testing, better treatment access, social protection measures, and continued research to ensure the disease’s decline continues.

Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of preventable death, and the WHO calls on countries and donors to step up funding and coordinated efforts to avoid a resurgence and protect global health.