Tuberculosis
To be written by SolthisWhy Does Tuberculosis Remain a Priority?
Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death from infectious diseases. It is also the leading cause of infectious deaths among people living with HIV.
In sub-Saharan Africa, according to the WHO, its incidence decreased by 28% and its mortality by 46% between 2015 and 2024. Despite this progress, the challenges remain considerable.
Nearly a quarter of cases still go undiagnosed, and diagnoses are often made too late. Insufficient access to certain tools—including X-rays, rapid tests, and molecular tests—also limits the identification of multidrug-resistant forms of the disease.
Malnutrition, poverty, and population displacement linked to crises and conflicts contribute to the transmission of the disease.
Certain populations are particularly vulnerable, including young children, people in detention, and those living with certain chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Access to treatment for drug-sensitive tuberculosis is relatively satisfactory, but the disease continues to have major economic consequences for those affected and their families. Multidrug-resistant forms, moreover, remain more difficult to treat.
Finally, preventive treatment for tuberculosis, although proven to be effective, remains insufficiently implemented.