Tuberculosis claimed 1.23 million lives globally last year, according to health reports.

As the global health landscape continues to evolve, recent data from the World Health Organization highlights both strides and setbacks in the fight against tuberculosis (TB). With 2024 marking a notable decline in TB cases and deaths for the first time since the pandemic, the WHO emphasizes the vital need for sustained international support to maintain this progress. This dual narrative of achievement and caution underscores the critical balance required to combat a disease that still claims over a million lives annually.

Tuberculosis deaths have decreased by 3 percent to 1.23 million in 2024, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In its annual TB report published on November 13, 2025, the UN health agency also announced a nearly 2 percent drop in overall cases of the disease compared to 2023. This achievement represents the first decline in TB metrics since the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted global health efforts.

In 2024, a record 8.3 million individuals accessed treatment after being newly diagnosed, with treatment success rates improving from 68 to 71 percent, the WHO noted. Despite these encouraging figures, the organization cautioned that ongoing progress in combating tuberculosis is jeopardized by a critical shortfall in international aid. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that without adequate funding, the gains made could be reversed.

During the past year, only .9 billion was allocated for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB, significantly below the estimated target of billion by 2027. “While the decline in the global burden of TB and advancements in testing, treatment, and social protection are promising, we must not mistake progress for a victory,” Tedros stated. He lamented the continued loss of over a million lives each year, despite TB being both preventable and treatable.

While the TB-related fatalities in 2024 marked a 29 percent reduction from 2015, the WHO had aimed for a reduction of 75 percent by 2025 and 90 percent by 2030. Concerns remain that the number of deaths could rise in upcoming years. Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s division for tuberculosis, HIV, and related infections, warned of the potential ramifications of prolonged cuts to international donor funding. A projected decrease in aid could lead to an estimated 2 million additional deaths and 10 million new TB cases globally between 2025 and 2035.

The WHO faced significant financial challenges earlier this year when the United States withdrew its funding, resulting in a 21 percent cut to its projected expenditures. This decision has heightened concerns regarding global TB interventions, particularly as critical international aid has previously been instrumental in preventing 3.65 million deaths from the disease, the WHO reported.

As the fight against tuberculosis continues, the emphasis on robust international collaboration and funding has never been more critical to uphold the advances made and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.

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