It wasn’t too long ago that in the world of infectious diseases, it seemed like COVID-19 was all anyone was talking about. It was, after all, the most prevalent and deadly infectious disease globally at the time. According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), however, tuberculosis (TB) has retaken its position as the leading infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19, which had been the deadliest infectious pathogen in 2020. This is what this means for you and your family.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the pathogenic bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Although TB is curable in around 85% of cases, it is still a significant global health concern due to the high mortality rate among untreated sufferers. TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The bacteria can remain suspended in the air for several hours and be inhaled by others who are nearby. Once inside the body, TB bacteria multiply rapidly and cause an infection that can last for years if left untreated.

Tuberculosis Statistics

The WHO report reveals staggering statistics, indicating that 1.25 million people died from TB worldwide in 2023, overshadowing the global COVID-19 death toll of 320,000 during the same period. Furthermore, 10.8 million people fell ill with TB last year, representing an increase from previous years. The report also reveals that the number of people with TB who are co-infected with HIV has increased by 40% since 2013. This is a major concern, as HIV is known to weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for people to fight off infections like TB.

Who does TB typically affect?

TB primarily affects individuals in low- and middle-income countries, with 87% of infections occurring in just 30 countries. India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan collectively account for 56% of the burden. It is concerning that TB disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations and those with limited access to healthcare.

What are the symptoms of TB? 

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on where the infection is located in your body. If you have pulmonary TB (the most common form), you may experience coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm), chest pain, fever, night sweats and weight loss. If you have extrapulmonary TB (infection outside of your lungs), then symptoms will depend on which organ is affected. If you have TB in your bones or joints, you may experience pain and swelling. If you have TB in your lymph nodes, then they will be enlarged and tender. If you have TB in your kidneys, then they may not work properly and you could develop kidney failure. If you have TB in your brain or spinal cord, then symptoms can include headaches, seizures and paralysis.

TB Prevention

The WHO emphasizes that TB is preventable and usually curable. Urgent action is required globally to end the TB epidemic by 2030, a goal adopted by all Member States of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. There are several positive trends, as the number of TB-related deaths has been declining, with exceptions in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, there are six new vaccines in Phase III clinical trials, raising hopes for improved treatment in the next five years. The WHO also recommends that people who have been exposed to TB should be screened for the disease. If you are at risk of getting TB, then you should get tested as soon as possible. This includes people who live in countries with high rates of TB and those who have close contact with someone who has active TB.

How to Prepare for and Prevent Future Endemics and Pandemics

In response to the escalating threat of infectious diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of developing global strategies for preparing and preventing epidemics and pandemics. With the number of high-threat infectious hazards on the rise, including both re-emerging and newly emerging diseases, the need for proactive measures to counter these health crises has become more critical than ever. Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases such as meningococcal disease, yellow fever, and cholera have demonstrated devastating impacts on regions with limited health infrastructure and resources, where timely detection and response can be challenging.

As part of its efforts, WHO collaborates with partners from diverse technical, scientific, and social fields to mobilize global resources and expertise in developing and implementing strategies to prevent and control epidemic-prone diseases. The organization’s flagship global strategies encompass initiatives like the Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics strategy 2017-2026, Ending Cholera: a Global Roadmap to 2030, the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework, and the Global Strategy for Influenza 2018-2030. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing preparedness, response, and control measures to mitigate the impact of potential outbreaks and pandemics. Furthermore, WHO serves as the secretariat for the governance of global emergency stockpiles, overseeing the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision. This body is responsible for managing and coordinating the provision of emergency vaccine supplies and antibiotics to countries during major outbreaks, ensuring timely and effective responses to health emergencies on a global scale.

We Have To Work Together

The emphasis on these global strategies underscores the importance of proactive and collaborative efforts in preparing for and preventing future endemics and pandemics. By leveraging global expertise, resources, and partnerships, WHO aims to strengthen the world’s capacity to respond to infectious disease threats in a coordinated and efficient manner. As the world faces evolving health challenges, the collective commitment to enhancing preparedness and response mechanisms is crucial to safeguarding global health security and minimizing the impact of infectious diseases on communities worldwide.

Through sustained investment, research, and collaboration, the global community can work towards building a more resilient and responsive healthcare infrastructure to address the complexities of emerging infectious diseases and ensure a proactive approach to safeguarding public health on a global scale.

The Bottom Line

In light of TB regaining its position as the leading infectious killer worldwide, it is imperative for global health organizations, governments, and individuals to prioritize TB prevention, treatment, and research. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of preparedness and rapid response to emerging infectious diseases. Concerted efforts, adequate funding, and international collaboration are essential to address the global burden of TB and mitigate future infectious disease outbreaks.