The WHO reports a small but significant drop in new TB cases in 2024 — about 10.7 million infections, a 1% year-on-year fall, and a 1.7% drop in incidence. The disease still caused 1.23 million deaths. More than half of new cases were in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Pakistan. Funding has stalled at $5.9 billion versus a $22 billion target for 2027, and WHO warns that frozen aid and planned cuts could lead to hundreds of thousands of additional deaths.
WHO: New TB Cases Fall in 2024 — Funding Shortfall Risks Reversing Progress
The WHO reports a small but significant drop in new TB cases in 2024 — about 10.7 million infections, a 1% year-on-year fall, and a 1.7% drop in incidence. The disease still caused 1.23 million deaths. More than half of new cases were in India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Pakistan. Funding has stalled at $5.9 billion versus a $22 billion target for 2027, and WHO warns that frozen aid and planned cuts could lead to hundreds of thousands of additional deaths.
10:54 PM, 11/12/2025Health
WHO reports drop in new tuberculosis cases but warns funding crisis threatens gains
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday from Geneva that the number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases fell in 2024 — the first decline since 2020 — signaling progress in the global fight against the disease. However, the agency cautioned that cuts or cancellations in international aid could undo those gains.
Key findings:
- About 10.7 million people developed TB in 2024, a 1% decrease from the previous year.
- The incidence rate (cases per 100,000 people) fell by 1.7%.
- 1.23 million people died from TB in 2024, keeping the disease among the 10 leading causes of death worldwide.
Where the burden is highest
More than half of the new TB cases in 2024 were recorded in five countries: India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China and Pakistan. Regional patterns vary: Europe has seen a 49% reduction in annual TB deaths since 2015, and Africa recorded a similar decline, but global progress remains uneven.
Causes for concern
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted diagnosis and treatment services, creating setbacks in detection and care. Funding for prevention, diagnosis and treatment has stagnated since 2020: only $5.9 billion was available globally in 2024 — far below the $22 billion target for 2027.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General: "Progress is not yet victory."
The report highlights that the US government has frozen billions in international aid and that other donor countries are planning cuts. WHO expert Tereza Kasaeva warned that even short-term funding shortages could result in hundreds of thousands additional TB deaths.
What this means
The modest decline in new infections is encouraging, but sustained financing, improved diagnostics, and uninterrupted treatment programs are essential to maintain momentum and meet global targets. Without renewed investment and political commitment, the WHO warns the recent progress could be reversed.