World Tuberculosis Day is being commemorated today to enhance awareness of the global tuberculosis epidemic and initiatives aimed at eradicating the illness. Tuberculosis, the world’s most lethal infectious disease, persists in ravaging millions worldwide, resulting in significant health, social, and economic repercussions.
This year’s World TB Day theme is “Yes! We can end TB: commit, invest, deliver,” representing a resolute appeal for optimism, immediacy, and responsibility.
The Campaign stresses the need for immediate action and underscores the risks posed by funding cuts, which disrupt access to prevention, screening, and treatment services.
In 2023, only 26% of the 22 Billion Dollars required annually for TB prevention and care was available, leaving a significant funding gap. Tb research is also facing a crisis, receiving just one-fifth of the 5 Billion Dollars target for 2022, severely delaying advancements in diagnostics, Treatments, and vaccines.
The World Health organization is leading efforts to accelerate TB vaccine development through the TB vaccine accelerator council, but progress remains at risk without urgent financial commitments.
