WHO Report: Global TB Cases, Deaths Decline in 2024

The World Health Organization released its Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 on Wednesday, revealing that tuberculosis cases and deaths declined worldwide in 2024 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health services. An estimated 10.7 million people developed the bacterial disease last year, a 1 percent drop from 10.8 million in 2023, while deaths fell 3 percent to 1.23 million. The global incidence rate stood at 131 new cases per 100,000 population, marking a net reduction of 12 percent since 2015.

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, primarily affects the lungs but can impact other organs. About 90 percent of cases occur in adults, with men affected more than women. The disease remains a leading infectious killer, particularly among people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV, malnutrition, or poverty. Roughly one-quarter of the world's population carries the bacteria, though most remain asymptomatic until factors like overcrowding trigger active illness.

Two-thirds of 2024 cases concentrated in eight high-burden countries: India, which accounted...