A new global health report has raised alarms over the resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide, especially in developing countries. Published on November 27, 2024, the report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a worrying trend of increasing TB cases following disruptions in healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Road to Recovery: Combating TB in a Post-Pandemic World
The report warns that many countries are at risk of failing to meet global TB elimination targets, largely due to the delayed diagnosis and treatment caused by the COVID-19 crisis. According to the WHO, the pandemic’s impact on routine healthcare services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, has led to a rise in undiagnosed TB cases. Global efforts to combat TB have been hampered by these challenges, despite the availability of effective treatments.
Health experts are calling for a renewed focus on tuberculosis, with increased funding for research and better access to diagnostic tools. WHO’s global strategy aims to reduce TB deaths by 90% and the number of new cases by 80% by 2035. However, experts stress that without urgent action, the world could face a serious setback in the battle against one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
