The World Health Organisation (WHO) published a new report on tuberculosis (TB) and its impact on global health. As per the report, more than 8 million people were newly diagnosed with TB last year, which has been the highest number recorded since WHO began to monitor TB in 1995. This has surpassed the rate of the leading infectious disease killer COVID-2019. In 2022, 7.5 million people were reported, again surpassing COVID-19. What Does the Report Say?The report highlights the progress in the global fight against TB and the challenges, majorly, underfunding. As per WHO, the number of deaths decreased from 1.32 million in 2022 to 1.25 million in 2023, and the number of people falling in with TB increased to an estimated 10.8 million in 2023. The disease is also disproportionately affecting people in 30 high-burden countries with India on lead with 26%, Indonesia 6.8%, the Philippines 6,8%, and Pakistan 6.3%. In terms of gender, the report mentions that 55% of infected are men, 33% are women and 12% are children and young adolescents. “The fact that TB still kills and sickens so many people is an outrage when we have the tools to prevent it, detect it and treat it,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “WHO urges all countries to make good on the concrete commitments they have made to expand the use of those tools and to end TB.”What Is TB?As per WHO, TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that affects the lungs. It is contagious and can be spread through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze, or spit. However, it can be prevented and cured. It is treated with antibiotics and can be fatal without proper treatment. In some countries, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is given to babies to prevent TB.Who might be at more risk?People with diabetes (high blood sugar), weakened immune systems (for instance, people with AIDS or HIV), malnourished people, those who use tobacco, and people who drink alcohol.SymptomsPeople with TB who do not feel sick are not contagious. It is only a small proportion of people who get infected with TB and develop the symptoms. Babies may be at high risk.Prolonged coughChest painWeaknessFatigueWeight lossFeverNight sweats