Global Tuberculosis Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Combat Leading Cause of Death

Tuberculosis, a global health crisis, remains a significant threat to public health worldwide. In 2023, 1.25 million individuals succumbed to tuberculosis, re-establishing it as the primary cause of death from a single infectious agent, a title temporarily held by COVID-19. Particularly alarming is the impact of tuberculosis on HIV-positive individuals, with the disease being the leading cause of death among this group and a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance-related fatalities.

With an estimated 10.8 million new tuberculosis cases reported globally in 2023, including a substantial number among men, women, and children, the urgency to address this infectious disease is evident. Tuberculosis, although prevalent across all nations and age brackets, is a curable and preventable condition. However, the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant challenge to public health systems globally, with only a fraction of affected individuals accessing appropriate treatment.

Efforts to combat tuberculosis have been ongoing, resulting in approximately 79 million lives saved since 2000. However, an annual investment of US$22 billion is deemed necessary for effective tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care to meet the global targets set at the 2023 UN high-level meeting on tuberculosis. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals have identified ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030 as a critical health objective.

Tuberculosis, caused by airborne bacteria primarily affecting the lungs, spreads through respiratory droplets. While tuberculosis is curable with antibiotics, certain factors such as diabetes, weakened immune systems, malnutrition, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption can increase susceptibility to the disease. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, administered in some countries, serves as a preventive measure, especially for children.

Early diagnosis of tuberculosis is crucial in preventing its spread. Rapid molecular diagnostic tests like the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and Truenat assays recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) have significantly improved early detection of tuberculosis and drug-resistant strains. Additionally, a comprehensive approach to collaborative tuberculosis-HIV activities is essential to reduce mortality rates associated with co-infection.

The financial burden of tuberculosis is substantial, with an annual requirement of US$22 billion for effective management. While domestic funding has been the primary source for tuberculosis services, international donor support remains critical, especially in low- and middle-income countries. WHO is actively engaged in global leadership to combat tuberculosis, focusing on strategy development, research, norm setting, policy advocacy, technical support, and progress monitoring.

In conclusion, tuberculosis continues to pose a grave threat to global health, necessitating urgent and coordinated action at international, national, and community levels to achieve the goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030. Efforts to enhance prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research are imperative to mitigate the impact of this infectious disease and save millions of lives globally.