Every year on March 24, the world observes World TB Day to draw attention to one of the deadliest infectious diseases.
Despite significant efforts, TB remains the leading cause of death from infectious diseases. In 2023, the disease claimed 1.25 million lives, including 161,000 people living with HIV. An estimated 10.8 million people have TB, including 6 million men, 3.6 million women and 1.3 million children. The disease is present in all countries and age groups. Although TB is curable and preventable, only 40% of people with the drug-resistant form of the disease have accessed treatment. Every day, more than 3,400 people die from TB, and nearly 30,000 contract the infection. Annual funding of 22 billion dollars is needed to reach global targets to end TB by 2030. This day is “Yes! We can beat TB: Commitment, Investment, Action”, emphasizing the need for not only awareness but also concrete steps to end TB. VirusOFF supports the global fight against TB by calling for decisive action, investment in health care, and collaborative efforts for a TB-free future.
According to the World Health Organization, 10.8 million people contracted TB in 2023, with a significant proportion of cases occurring in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). In 2023, more than 7,500 TB cases among children under 15 years of age were reported in the WHO European Region, which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia, an increase of 10% from the previous year. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with TB and receiving treatment globally in 2022, following two years of disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. In Kazakhstan, 27% of new TB cases are multidrug-resistant; in Ukraine, where war has been ongoing since 2022, there has been a sharp increase in incidence due to deteriorating living conditions and the destruction of medical infrastructure. In Kyrgyzstan, the treatment success rate for drug-resistant TB remains below 50%, demonstrating the need to improve access to modern therapies. These data show that the region needs massive support to fight the disease.
Despite the availability of diagnostic and treatment methods, TB continues to spread due to poverty, poor living conditions, malnutrition, and migration. A weak healthcare system, lack of medicines, and qualified specialists hinder timely treatment, and many patients do not receive an entire course of therapy, which contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant forms of the disease. Stigmatization and fear of diagnosis prevent people from seeking medical help, further exacerbating the situation.
Comprehensive measures are needed to fight tuberculosis. Increased funding will provide access to modern diagnostic methods and new treatment regimens. BCG vaccination remains an important protection measure for children, while adults at risk should receive preventive therapy. Social support for patients will help reduce treatment refusal rates, and public awareness campaigns will help combat stigmatization and increase disease detection.
Political will and funding are key to defeating TB. At the UN TB Summit in 2023, world leaders committed to accelerating the fight against the disease, but without real investment and action, success will be challenging to achieve. World TB Day is not just a date on the calendar, but a reminder that the disease can only be defeated by working together. Everyone can do their part: get tested if you have symptoms, support TB initiatives, and spread accurate information. TB is curable. The main thing is not to delay the fight.
#ENDTB #WORLDTBDAY #YESWECANENDTB