TB epidemic on a rise, urgent need for a better global response

NEW DELHI: World would not be able to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) by 2030. 

Stop TB Partnership released data on Tuesday, September 28, which showed that COVID-19 induced pandemic along with the lack of fundings has widely impacted the timeline for eradication of TB. The impact of the coronavirus itself has been profound on TB patients. 

Data shows that over 1.2 million people have been diagnosed with TB this year.

The United Nations High-Level Meeting promised double the funding for the global TB response than the present amount of $6.5 billion. Stop TB Partnership, in a public statement, said that in order to get TB response back on track, there is a need to double the resources and increase their share of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. 

Dr Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director, Stop TB Partnership informed that over 4,000 people die in a day from TB which is more than HIV and malaria combined. He said that the lack of seriousness around the disease has caused the numbers to shoot up so high. 

Dr Ditiu added that hundreds of thousands of people die from TB and that the TB epidemic is on a rise. At the Stop TB Partnership’s 34th virtual Board Meeting, which commences from September 28-30, concerning global response to TB and the lack of funding will be discussed.