Fewer new tuberculosis infections, but WHO warns of lack of funds
Nov 13, 2025
Geneva [Switzerland], November 13: The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported progress in the fight against tuberculosis, with the number of new cases recorded last year declining for the first time since 2020, it reported in Geneva on Wednesday.
However, it warned that the cancellation of aid funds could reverse the trend.
According to the report, around 10.7 million people contracted tuberculosis (TB) in 2024, 1% fewer than in the previous year. The incidence rate - how many out of 100,000 people contract the disease - fell by 1.7%.
Tuberculosis remains one of the 10 leading causes of death worldwide.
According to the WHO's annual TB report, 1.23 million people died from the bacterial disease last year.
Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs and is usually transmitted through coughing or sneezing. With treatment, most of those affected can be cured. Without treatment, almost half of those infected die, according to the WHO.
Source: Qatar Tribune
