ISLAMABAD: World health organization (WHO) latest report shows that Pakistan is listed among the two third of the total global TB affected nations.
According to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 1.23 million people worldwide died from tuberculosis (TB) in 2024, while approximately 10.7 million new cases were reported globally.
The report highlights that just eight countries accounted for two-thirds of the total global TB burden, with Pakistan among these high-burden nations.
The WHO report notes that Pakistan contributes around 6.3% of the world’s TB cases, making it one of the countries with the highest caseload.
Other nations on the list include India, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bangladesh. India topped the list with nearly 25% of global cases, followed by Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%), China (6.5%), Pakistan (6.3%), Nigeria (4.8%), Congo (3.9%), and Bangladesh (3.6%).
Despite TB being a preventable and treatable disease, WHO has warned that several factors continue to accelerate its spread. These include poverty, malnutrition, HIV infection, diabetes, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
Experts emphasize that early diagnosis, effective treatment, and widespread public awareness are crucial to controlling TB transmission.
Strengthening these measures, they say, is essential for meeting global health targets and reducing the disease’s impact worldwide.
Read also: Just 15 minute walk daily save your life, study finds
