In a significant public health update, it has been reported that tuberculosis (TB) claimed the lives of 1.23 million individuals worldwide in 2024. This alarming statistic underscores TB’s status as the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.

According to estimates, 10.7 million people fell ill with TB globally during the same year. The disease, primarily affecting the lungs, remains a critical health challenge, particularly in regions with high rates of HIV infection.

Notably, individuals living with HIV are 12 times more likely to develop TB compared to those without the virus. In 2024, approximately 150,000 people died from HIV-associated TB, highlighting the intersection of these two public health crises.

Despite being preventable and curable, access to treatment remains a significant issue. Only about 61% of the estimated number of people living with HIV who developed TB received antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2024. Furthermore, only 2 in 5 individuals with drug-resistant TB accessed necessary treatment.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) as a public health crisis and a health security threat. The largest number of new TB cases in 2024 was reported in the WHO South-East Asia Region, accounting for 34% of cases.

To combat this growing crisis, an estimated US$ 22 billion is needed annually for TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care to meet global targets by 2027. This financial requirement emphasizes the urgent need for increased investment in TB control measures.

In a related context, India has expanded its energy import sources from 27 countries to 41 over the past 11 years, reflecting a broader strategy to enhance its energy security.

Prime Minister Modi stated, “India has always stood for peace in the interest of humanity and dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to this problem.” He also assured that the government is ensuring smooth supplies of petrol, diesel, oil, gas, and fertilizers.

As global health officials continue to address the TB epidemic, the need for comprehensive strategies and international cooperation remains critical. Details remain unconfirmed regarding further measures being implemented to tackle this pressing health issue.

The post Today News: Tuberculosis Deaths Reach 1.23 Million in 2024 appeared first on newscri.