Global Tuberculosis Deaths Drop to 1.23 Million: WHO Warns of Funding Crisis
Global tuberculosis deaths fell by 3 percent last year, reaching 1.23 million people in 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported. The agency noted a nearly 2 percent decline in overall TB cases since 2023 marking the first drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to WHO, about 8.3 million people received treatment in 2024, while treatment success rates rose from 68 to 71 percent. However, the organization warned that progress could stall if financial support continues to fall short.
Progress Under Threat
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that the hard-won gains against tuberculosis were at risk due to a major funding gap. Only $5.9 billion was available globally for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment last year far below the $22 billion annual target set for 2027. He called the ongoing deaths “unconscionable,” stressing that tuberculosis remains both preventable and curable. Although TB deaths have dropped 29 percent since 2015, the goal of a 75 percent reduction by 2025 and 90 percent by 2030 remains distant.
Future Concerns
Experts warn the situation could worsen without renewed commitment. Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, head of WHO’s tuberculosis division, estimated that long-term aid cuts could cause up to 2 million more deaths and 10 million new infections between 2025 and 2035. The agency also suffered a 21 percent budget reduction after the United States withdrew funding earlier this year. That decision, combined with reduced global aid, threatens to slow testing and treatment programs in high-burden countries. Still, international funding in 2024 helped prevent an estimated 3.65 million deaths, proving that sustained support can save lives.
