Tuberculosis Hits Record High: 8 Million Diagnosed in 2024
Tuberculosis or TB cases increased last year. More than 8 million people were diagnosed – a record number ever kept by the World Health Organization. According to a recent report presented on October 29, 2024, TB has regained its leading position as the killer in infectious diseases, surpassing COVID-19, with as many as 1.25 million lost lives.
TB's Stronghold: Southeast Asia and Beyond
TB continues to predominantly hit sites in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific. Fifty percent of its more than 9.6 million cases worldwide hail from five countries: India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, and Pakistan. Drug-resistant TB infected nearly 400,000 last year, with fewer than half of those being properly treated. According to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, this situation is "outrageous" as it only lacks adequate implementation and the necessary equipment is already there.
Is Air Pollution Contributing to TB Getting Worse?
Air pollution could be yet another cause for concern because it is accelerating the worsening scenario of TB. A number of cities, particularly Delhi, are among the worst air-quality cities. As Diwali rolls by, firecracker pollution peaks. With Delhi's AQI levels shooting up consistently into hazardous numbers, such a scenario may be weeding out the lungs; they are more vulnerable in times of respiratory diseases, tuberculosis.
Closing the Gap: Inclusive TB Tests
Health organizations are also calling for cheaper and more comprehensive testing to help combat TB effectively. Among them are Doctors Without Borders and other global health activists, who are pressing on U.S.-based firm Cepheid, manufacturer of the TB diagnostic test, to lower the $12 price tag to an affordable $5 per test. In an open letter, over 150 global health partners appealed to the firm to prioritize human lives and provide access to testing in resource-poor regions.
Time to Act Against the Battle Against TB
Air pollution has worsened and the TB cases are on the rise, now is the time to take action. Starting from the poor quality of air up to inexpensive diagnosis, battling tuberculosis in every respect would make it difficult for the disease to sustain its killing resurgence.
With inputs from Reuters
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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