WHO Reports 1.23 Million Deaths from Tuberculosis in 2024, Funding Shortfall Hampers Progress

The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that tuberculosis claimed an estimated 1.23 million lives globally in 2024, showing a three percent decrease in deaths compared to 2023. New infections also declined by nearly two percent.

Tereza Kasaeva, WHO's Director of HIV, TB, Hepatitis, and Sexual Transmitted Infections, highlighted the fragility of recent progress in combating tuberculosis. The report emphasized a funding shortfall of $5.9 billion in 2024, far below the annual target of $22 billion set for 2027, underscoring the urgent need for increased investments in stronger health systems to sustain progress against the disease.