WHO global annual TB report published

On 14 October 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its annual global report on tuberculosis (TB).

TB remains the top infectious killer in the world, claiming close to 4,000 lives a day. The WHO report aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic, as well as detailing progress in the response at global, regional and country levels.

The report features data on disease trends and the response to the epidemic in 198 countries and territories, including trends on TB incidence and mortality, data on case detection and treatment results, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), TB/HIV co-infection, prevention, universal health coverage and financing. Also included is an overview of pipelines for new TB diagnostics, drugs and vaccines.

In recognition of the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report also includes a provisional assessment of how the pandemic will affect the TB epidemic, people with TB, and progress towards global TB targets.

Source: WHO, 14 October 2020