Global TB Report 

Current Context : Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global TB Report.

• It is an annual report published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic and of progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease at global, regional, and country levels.

Highlights of the 2024 Report :

• Rise in TB Cases: In 2023, 8.2 million new TB cases were recorded, the highest since WHO began tracking in 1995, up from 7.5 million cases in 2022.
• TB Deaths: An estimated 1.25 million people died from TB in 2023, slightly lower than 1.32 million in 2022 but still significantly more than the 320,000 COVID-19 deaths reported last year.
• Global TB Burden: 30 low- and middle-income countries hold 87% of the world’s TB cases. Five countries—India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%)—together represent 56% of all cases.
• Demographics: Among those with TB, 55% were men, 33% women, and 12% children or young adolescents.
• Risk Factors: Five key factors driving new TB cases are undernutrition, HIV, alcohol use disorders, smoking, and diabetes.
• India’s TB Situation: In 2023, India saw 2.7 million TB cases, with 2.51 million diagnosed and treated, increasing treatment coverage from 72% in 2015 to 89% in 2023, reducing missed cases.
• Decline in Incidence: India’s TB incidence dropped from 237 cases per 100,000 people in 2015 to 195 per 100,000 in 2023, marking a 17.7% decrease.