According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis (TB) has once again become the leading cause of infectious disease death worldwide. Indeed, during 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a higher number of deaths. In 2023, however, tuberculosis would have caused around 1.25 million deaths, far exceeding the 320,000 deaths caused by COVID-19 the same year. This return to the top of the ranking illustrates a persistent threat that the international community has been working to control for decades.
An old disease, but still virulent
Caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosisTB is spread through the air, often through droplets when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes. The bacteria can reside mainly in the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Although curable, tuberculosis remains fatal for almost 50% of untreated people. Currently, 10,8 millions more people are infected worldwide, an increase from 10.1 million in 2020.
The disease is particularly present in certain regions: in 2023, 87% of global cases will be concentrated in just thirty countries, including India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines and Pakistan. These five countries alone account for 56% of all cases recorded, demonstrating the uneven geographical distribution of this epidemic.
Progress, but insufficient funding
Efforts to control tuberculosis have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has diverted medical resources and funding toward fighting the coronavirus. In 2020 and 2021, the number of deaths due to tuberculosis increased, reaching 1.42 million in 2021 compared to 1.34 million people in 2019.
Despite everything, thes tuberculosis mortality rates now show a slight decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, significant efforts still need to be made in the goal of ending the global tuberculosis epidemic by 2030, as desired by the WHO.
Funding must in particular be massively increased. In 2023, only $5.7 billion was allocated for TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment services, well below the annual target of $22 billion. At the same time, research investments have been limited to one billion dollars, while the WHO is asking for five times more to support the necessary innovations.
Despite the obstacles, the WHO report remains optimistic about some progress. Six new vaccines are currently in phase III clinical trials, an encouraging sign for improving prevention options. These new vaccines could be available within the next five years, which will provide real hope for limiting the spread of the disease and reducing its impact.
