TB Reclaims Deadliest Infectious Disease Title

Tuberculosis (TB) has reclaimed its title as the deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19 with 1.25 million deaths in 2023. Despite having the tools to prevent, detect, and treat TB, the disease continues to kill millions, with 8.2 million new cases reported last year—the highest since WHO began tracking in 1995.

 

Public health leaders cite insufficient funding, stigma, and poor health conditions as major barriers. Global funding for TB dropped to $5.7 billion, well below the target of $22 billion. Increased investment is needed for research, prevention, and treatment, and to ensure equitable access to new vaccines and tools in development. Read more from NPR here.