The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for renewed efforts to tackle tuberculosis (TB) in Southeast Asia. With the region accounting for nearly half of the global TB burden, WHO emphasized the need for collaborative, community-centered, and technology-driven strategies to eliminate this deadly disease.
Addressing the TB Crisis
WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed stressed the importance of accelerating multi-sectoral efforts to reach every affected individual. She emphasized that the fight against TB must address socio-economic determinants like undernutrition and integrate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“A primary healthcare-based approach must focus on TB determinants while putting affected populations at the heart of all efforts,” Wazed explained. This holistic strategy, she added, is crucial to curbing the spread of TB and reducing its devastating impact on communities.
The Alarming Numbers
The recently released Global TB Report 2024 highlighted the staggering toll of TB in Southeast Asia. Over 5 million people in the region developed TB in 2023, representing 45% of the global TB burden. More than half of all global TB deaths also occurred in the region last year.
However, the report brought some good news. TB-related deaths declined to 583,000 in 2023, a significant drop from the peak of 763,000 in 2021. The percentage of people with TB missed by healthcare programs also fell to 22% in 2023, down from 44% in 2020.
Progress and Challenges
Efforts to combat TB have gained momentum, with over 3.8 million people in the region receiving TB treatment in 2023, the highest number ever recorded. Yet, significant gaps remain. Only 9% of people living with HIV and less than 25% of household contacts of TB patients received preventive treatment last year.
The financial shortfall for TB programs remains a critical obstacle, with a funding gap of nearly ₹200 crore per year. Wazed commended the progress but warned that the high disease burden and its socio-economic impact demand urgent action and resource mobilization.
Read: WHO Approves First-Ever Prequalified TB Test
The Path Forward
Wazed called for a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach to ending TB. She urged countries to pool resources and focus on reaching vulnerable and marginalized populations who are often left behind in healthcare efforts.
“Reaching the unreached is key to our fight against TB,” Wazed noted, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies that leave no one behind. She also highlighted the importance of preventive measures, early diagnosis, and efficient treatment to curb the disease’s spread.
Building Momentum
The fight against TB in Southeast Asia requires sustained momentum and innovation. Member countries must continue to strengthen primary healthcare systems, adopt emerging technologies, and address underlying social determinants. With collaborative efforts and a renewed sense of urgency, Southeast Asia can take meaningful strides toward eradicating TB.
WHO’s call to action is a reminder that the battle against TB is far from over. As the region works collectively to address these challenges, the goal of a TB-free future remains within reach.
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