Tuberculosis is still seen as a massive global health failure

The number of new tuberculosis infections and TB-related deaths fell slightly in 2017, the WHO reports. But the fact that an estimated 10 million people were infected with TB — and 1.6 million people died from infections that could have been prevented or cured — is still seen as massive global health failure. “Governments continue to tackle the world’s deadliest infectious disease with lethal mediocrity,” said Sharonann Lynch, HIV & TB policy advisor for Doctors Without Borders’ Access Campaign. Lynch said countries need to test and treat more people, noting that 40 percent of people with TB aren't diagnosed.

The report will be ammunition for advocates hoping next week’s high-level meeting on tuberculosis — held in conjunction with the U.N. General Assembly — will galvanize countries to take more aggressive action.