Yes! We Can End TB: Commitment, Investment, Results

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death caused by a single infectious agent in the world. According to the World Health Organization's World TB Report 2024, there are an estimated 10.8 million cases worldwide; and 1.25 million deaths, including an estimated 161,000 among people living with HIV. Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000.  

In the Region of the Americas, an estimated 342,000 people became ill with TB, an increase of 20% compared to 2015, with a gap of 76,000 people undiagnosed. Also, some 35,000 people died from TB (44% increase compared to 2015), of which 29% (10,000) were attributed to TB/HIV; it is estimated that every day, about 100 people lose their lives to TB and about 900 people fall ill from this preventable and curable disease. 

In the past year, countries have accelerated the adoption of technological innovations, such as CAD-assisted digital radiology, the implementation of shorter treatment regimens and the expansion of molecular testing coverage. These improvements in the TB response are increasing access to treatment and narrowing the case detection gap. 

The social determinants of health linked to TB, such as poverty, inequality, malnutrition, co-morbidities, discrimination and stigma remain the main drivers of the epidemic.  In 2023, poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean declined to 27.3 per cent, a reduction of 1.5 percentage points from the previous year and the lowest rate recorded since 1990. However, 172 million people in the region still live in poverty, 66 millions of them are in extreme poverty. Although progress has been made, it has not been sufficient to fully reverse the negative effects of the pandemic, and income inequality remains high. A multi-sectoral response is therefore required, including the meaningful involvement of parliamentarians, civil society and affected communities, to put people and their needs at the center of the response. 

Considering that the region is highly heterogeneous, with countries in a low incidence situation close to pre-elimination and others with a high burden, it is necessary to redouble efforts towards TB elimination in the Americas region. Political will and funding, rapid incorporation of innovations and community involvement are essential to move towards elimination.  

This year's World TB Day highlights the urgency of ending TB, the world's deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions of people around the world, with serious health, social and economic consequences. This year’s theme, Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver, is a bold call for hope, urgency, and accountability.