Africa has recorded the sharpest decline in tuberculosis (TB) deaths globally since 2015, with fatalities dropping 42% and cases decreasing 24%, according to the WHO Global TB Report 2024.
This progress is attributed to improved case detection and treatment, with TB treatment coverage rising from 55% in 2020 to 74% in 2023. South Africa surpassed the 2025 WHO target, reducing TB incidence by 50%, while Mozambique, Tanzania, Togo, and Zambia have met the 75% mortality reduction goal.
However, challenges persist, including limited access to rapid diagnostics (reaching only 54% of TB patients), multidrug-resistant TB, and financial burdens for affected families. The region faces a $3.6 billion funding gap, threatening further progress.
With World TB Day 2024 themed “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”, WHO urges stronger investment and action to achieve TB elimination goals.
ALLAFRICA/S.S
Comments are closed.