The fight against tuberculosis requires greater global investment

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a strong call to increase investment in the fight against tuberculosis, a disease that, despite advances in prevention and treatment, continues to claim the lives of 1.3 million people worldwide each year. On the eve of World Tuberculosis Day, the WHO released a report highlighting the importance of allocating resources to testing and prevention programs, noting that for every dollar invested in these measures, up to 39 dollars can be saved. This investment would not only benefit public health but also have a positive impact on the economy. Throughout the 21st century, efforts to prevent the incidence of tuberculosis are estimated to have saved the lives of 75 million people. However, the disease remains one of the deadliest globally, underscoring the need to redouble efforts for its control and eradication. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the international community has the knowledge, tools, and political commitment necessary to end a disease that has existed for millennia. It is crucial to intensify actions to combat tuberculosis, especially regarding multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), which continues to pose a challenge with 410,000 new cases reported in 2022, of which only 40% received treatment. WHO has also pointed out that climate change could have an impact on the increase in tuberculosis cases, adding to concerns about the spread of the disease worldwide. In this context, it is essential for governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to come together in a joint effort to effectively combat tuberculosis and ensure that the sustainable development goals related to health are met. The health of millions of people worldwide depends on the determined and coordinated action of the international community to end this devastating disease.