Progress in Global Fight Against Tuberculosis

The world is making steady progress in defeating one of its oldest infectious diseases, as new data from the World Health Organization show tuberculosis deaths and infections continuing to decline worldwide.

“After years of setbacks, it’s heartening to see the world back on track against TB,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Millions of lives have been saved, and we are moving closer to ending this ancient disease.”

Between 2023 and 2024, global TB deaths fell by 3% and new cases by nearly 2%, with the African Region achieving a 46% drop in fatalities since 2015 and the European Region reducing deaths by almost half. More people than ever before—8.3 million—received timely treatment last year, while rapid diagnostic testing reached 54% coverage. Preventive care also expanded, protecting 5.3 million people at high risk. WHO notes that stronger political commitment, innovation and equitable healthcare are driving this momentum, putting the goal of ending TB by 2030 within closer reach.