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tuberculosis Cases Decline, But Funding Gaps Threaten Global Progress
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Despite claiming 1.2 million lives and affecting an estimated 10.7 million people last year, tuberculosis (TB) is showing signs of decline thanks to increased diagnosis, treatment, and innovation, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, released today. Though, persistent challenges in funding and equitable access to care pose a meaningful threat to reversing hard-won gains in the global fight against 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,” a senior WHO official stated. “The fact that TB continues to claim over a million lives each year, despite being preventable and curable, is simply unconscionable.WHO is working with countries to build on the progress they have made and accelerate the path to ending TB by 2030.”
Global Progress and Regional Successes
Between 2023 and 2024, the global rate of people falling ill with TB declined by nearly 2%, while deaths from TB fell by 3%.These reductions signal a continued recovery of essential health services following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Strong political commitment and investment are proving effective in certain regions.Between 2015 and 2024, the WHO African Region achieved a 28% reduction in the TB incidence rate and a 46% reduction in deaths. the European Region experienced even greater declines, with a 39% drop in incidence and a 49% reduction in deaths.
Over 100 countries have now achieved at least a 20% reduction in TB incidence rates as 2015.
The report highlights significant progress in expanding access to TB preventive treatment (TPT). >5.3 million people at high risk of TB received preventive treatment in 2024, an increase from 4.7 million in 2023.
For the first time, the WHO has reported on progress toward social protection targets established at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on TB, using data compiled by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Among the 30 high TB burden countries, social protection coverage varies widely, from 3.1% in Uganda to 94% in Mongolia. Notably,19 countries report coverage rates below 50%.
The report also highlights the significant role of risk factors such as undernutrition, HIV infection, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol use in driving the epidemic. Addressing these factors, alongside broader structural determinants like poverty, requires coordinated action across multiple sectors.
Funding Shortfalls jeopardize Future Gains
Despite these gains, global progress remains far from meeting the enterprising targets of the End TB Strategy. A major obstacle is the stagnation of global funding for TB since 2020. In 2024, only US$5.9 billion was available for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment-just over a quarter of the US$22 billion annual target set for 2027.
Potential cuts to international donor funding from 2025 onward pose a serious challenge. Modeling studies suggest that long-term funding reductions could lead to up to 2 million additional deaths and 10 million new TB cases between 2025 and 2035.
Global TB research funding also lags, reaching only US$1.2 billion in 2023 (24% of the target). As of August 2025,63 diagnostic tests are in development and 29 drugs are in clinical trials-a significant increase from the 8 trials underway in 2015. Additionally, 18 vaccine candidates are undergoing clinical trials, including 6 in Phase 3.The WHO continues to lead global efforts to advance the TB vaccine agenda, supported by the TB vaccine Accelerator Council.
“We are at a defining moment in the fight against TB,” said Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Department for HIV, TB, Hepatitis and STIs. “Funding cuts and persistent drivers of the epidemic threaten to undo hard-won gains, but with political commitment, sustained investment, and global solidarity, we can turn the tide and end this ancient killer once and for all.”
The WHO is calling for sustained political commitment, increased domestic investment, and intensified research
