Today is World TB day! This year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”.
Today offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, including by combatting the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.1
Despite being preventable and curable, TB continues to be the number one infectious killer and among the top 10 leading causes of all deaths worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 10.8 million people fell ill with TB worldwide and 1.25 million people died from the disease. Decreasing investments in the fight against TB will jeopardize the lives of millions more.
Many of the countries most affected by TB are demonstrating huge determination to beat this disease. Political commitment and leadership to end TB has increased in recent years, with more domestic funding in countries, stronger national TB programs and greater engagement of the private sector.
The Global Fund partnership provides 76% of all international financing for TB programs. Innovations including improved diagnostics, better treatments and a broader range of long-acting preventive tools are accelerating progress against TB, and there is an exciting pipeline of new innovations on the horizon. Investing in these lifesaving advancements brings us closer to a future where TB is no longer a global health threat.
At a time of unprecedented momentum, there is also unprecedented risk. Failing to invest to end TB means that the world will face an even more dire global health crisis. TB does not respect borders. The spread of TB anywhere poses huge risks for everyone, everywhere.
With a robust Eighth Replenishment, the Global Fund could reduce TB incidence and mortality rates by 32% and 60% respectively (between 2023 and 2029) in countries where we invest; treat 46.8 million people with first-line drugs and 1.1 million with second-line drugs between 2024 and 2029; and increase treatment coverage of TB patients to more than 95% by 2029.
If you want to know more check out the Global Fund page and take a look at the 2024 Global Fund Results Report (English and Français)