For years, COVID-19 dominated global health concerns, causing millions of deaths and disrupting everyday life. However, recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that tuberculosis (TB) has once again become the world’s leading infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19. According to WHO, an estimated 8.2 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2023—the highest number recorded since monitoring began in 1995. Despite advancements in prevention and treatment, TB continues to pose a major public health challenge. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of addressing the disease, stating, “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.”
Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, but it can also impact other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain. Unlike COVID-19, which spread rapidly due to airborne transmission, TB is a bacterial infection that often develops slowly, making early detection and treatment crucial in controlling its spread. WHO is urging governments worldwide to strengthen their commitment to combating TB by expanding access to existing diagnostic tools and treatment methods. As COVID-19 cases decline, experts stress that TB should not be overlooked, given its persistent global burden and the potential for further outbreaks if left unchecked.