Over 8.2 million people infected with Tuberculosis in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 31, 2024 2 hours, 17 minutes ago
Medical News: Tuberculosis Surpasses COVID-19 as Top Infectious Disease
In a striking turn of events, tuberculosis (TB) has overtaken COVID-19 to become the most widespread infectious disease of 2023. The World Health Organization reported that more than 8.2 million people were diagnosed with TB globally this year, marking the highest number of cases recorded since tracking began in 1995. Tragically, this sharp rise in TB cases led to approximately 1.25 million deaths worldwide.
Over 8.2 million people infected with Tuberculosis in 2023, resulting in 1.25 million deaths
It should be noted that these are figures from the WHO and in reality, the number of TB infections and TB related deaths globally in 2023 could be as high as 3 to 4-fold that what is being reported!
It is also interesting to note that health authorities and governments of many countries along with their mainstream media have not been reporting on these rise of TB infections in the last 24 months and preliminary data for 2024 is indicating even higher rates than compared to 2023!
Thailand Medical News has been warning that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis could be directly or indirectly contributing to the rise of TB infections globally.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/sunday-editorial-covid-19-could-possibly-be-contributing-directly-and-indirectly-to-the-rise-of-tuberculosis-infections
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/medical-thailand-thai-study-validates-that-covid-19-induced-immune-dysfunction-is-driving-increased-incidence-of-pulmonary-tuberculosis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-turkey-medical-researchers-based-on-actual-clinical-case-reports-warn-that-covid-19-is-reactivating-dormant-tuberculosis-in-individuals-inclu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-warnings-sars-cov-2-coronavirus--infection-could-activate-dormant-tuberculosis
According to WHO's Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the TB epidemic is an "outrage" considering the modern tools available for prevention, detection, and treatment. “The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it, and treat it,” Dr. Tedros said. He emphasized that governments must uphold their commitments to deploying these resources effectively to combat the deadly disease.
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TB Cases Surge, Southeast Asia and Africa Hit the Hardest
This
Medical News report highlights that TB has once again claimed the spotlight as a major health crisis, with Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Western Pacific bearing the brunt. India and Indonesia, in particular, saw the highest case numbers, accounting for 26% and 10% of global cases, respectively. Together, these two countries, along with China, the Philippines, and Pakistan, comprise over half of the world's total TB burden.
Data shows that the majority of new infections occurred among men, who made up 55% of the cases, while women accounted for 33%, and children and adolescents represented the remaining 12%. The factors contributing to these statistics include socioeconomic conditions like poverty and malnutrition and individual health risks such as HIV, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol dependency.Officials have stressed that addressing TB requires a coordinated response targeting both medical and social determinants of health, particularly in high-burden areas.
The Need for Urgent Action Against Drug-Resistant TB
TB is notorious not only for its high infection rate but also for its ability to resist treatment, especially in drug-resistant strains. Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, head of the WHO Global Tuberculosis Programme, underscored the importance of unified global efforts to combat these dangerous strains of TB. “We are confronted with a multitude of formidable challenges: funding shortfalls, catastrophic financial burdens on those affected, climate change, conflict, migration, pandemics, and drug-resistant tuberculosis,” Dr. Kasaeva explained.
The rise of drug-resistant TB has compounded the challenges facing healthcare providers and policy-makers. Drug-resistant TB, resistant to the most commonly used anti-TB medications, is increasingly recognized as a driver of antimicrobial resistance - a serious global health threat. This resistance makes the disease harder to treat and increases the risk of transmission, further burdening healthcare systems.
A Global Call to End TB
Given the alarming rise in cases, WHO is calling on countries worldwide to intensify their TB control programs. Health officials assert that by taking a multi-faceted approach that addresses both medical treatment and social inequalities, countries can reduce the TB infection rate and improve outcomes for those affected.
The recent report underscores the importance of funding and political commitment in tackling this public health crisis. Investments in research, vaccine development, and community healthcare resources are essential for reaching vulnerable populations who often face barriers to diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, addressing malnutrition, substance abuse, and improving general living conditions will be critical to mitigating risk factors associated with TB.
Conclusions: What Needs to Change
The latest figures on TB remind us that infectious diseases are a pressing issue that must not be overlooked. The world now has both the knowledge and tools to combat TB effectively. However, financial constraints, health system limitations, and social inequalities have hampered efforts to address the disease. As Dr. Tedros and Dr. Kasaeva have indicated, the solution lies in a coordinated, global response that leverages resources and addresses the root causes of vulnerability.
To make a meaningful difference, countries must prioritize TB funding, enhance diagnostic capacities, and support the development of new treatments. By focusing on these goals, the world can work toward significantly reducing TB cases and preventing further deaths.
For the latest Tuberculosis News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-study-finds-that-treating-covid-19-patients-with-corticosteroids-increases-risk-of-tuberculosis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/scientists-anticipate-that-tuberculosis-will-the-next-global-health-crisis-as-new-antibiotic-resistance-genes-have-been-identified
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