Accelerated Efforts Needed to End TB in WHO South-East Asia Region
South-East Asia Makes Strides Against TB, But Funding Gap Threatens Progress
Millions More Treated for Tuberculosis in 2023, But Region Still Faces Notable Challenges
The World Health Institution (WHO) is calling for accelerated efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) in south-East Asia, despite significant progress made in recent years. While the region saw a record number of people initiated on TB treatment in 2023, a ample funding gap threatens to undermine thes gains.
“We’ve made remarkable strides, with more than 3.8 million people starting TB treatment in 2023 – the highest ever recorded,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region. “This represents nearly 1.3 million more people than in 2020, a year heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The WHO’s Global TB report 2024 highlights these positive developments, noting a decline in the estimated percentage of TB cases missed by programs, dropping from 44% in 2020 to 22% in 2023.
However,the region still bears a disproportionate burden of the global TB epidemic.
“South-East Asia accounts for 45% of the global TB burden,with over 5 million people developing the disease in 2023,” Wazed emphasized. “We also saw over half of all TB deaths globally occurring in this region.”
While nearly 1.5 million people received TB preventive treatment in 2023, coverage remains low. Only 9% of people living with HIV and less than a quarter of household contacts of confirmed TB patients received this crucial preventative measure.
Funding Gap Threatens Progress
Despite increased domestic funding, a significant gap persists. While available funding for TB in the region reached US$1.1 billion in 2023, a shortfall of nearly US$2 billion remains for a comprehensive strategy to end TB.
“This funding gap is a major obstacle,” Wazed stated. “We need to mobilize more resources to ensure everyone, regardless of their location or vulnerability, has access to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.”
A Call for Multi-Sectoral Action
Wazed stressed the need for a multi-sectoral approach, involving governments, communities, and civil society organizations.
“Ending TB requires a collaborative effort,” she said. “We need to pool resources, share knowledge, and work together to reach the most vulnerable populations.”
The Gandhinagar Declaration, signed by Member countries in August 2023, and the UN High-level Meeting on TB in September 2023, demonstrate a renewed commitment to ending TB. These declarations outline ambitious targets and actions to enhance access to TB services, protect human rights, address social determinants of TB, and accelerate research and innovation.
The fight against TB in South-East Asia is far from over, but the region has shown its commitment to tackling this global health challenge. With sustained political will, increased funding, and a multi-sectoral approach, the region can achieve its goal of ending TB.
South-East Asia Fights Back Against TB, But Funding Gap Looms
Newsdirectory3.com Interview with Dr. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region
ND3: Dr. Wazed, the WHO recently reported notable progress in tuberculosis treatment numbers across South-East Asia. Can you elaborate on these achievements?
Dr. Wazed: We’re encouraged by the significant strides made. In 2023, a record 3.8 million individuals began TB treatment, representing a substantial increase of nearly 1.3 million compared to 2020. this progress signifies a dedicated effort to combat the disease, especially after the pandemic’s disruption in 2020.
ND3: Despite these advancements, South-East Asia still shoulders a considerable share of the global TB burden. What are the biggest challenges the region faces?
dr. Wazed: While treatment numbers are encouraging, South-East Asia accounts for 45% of the global TB cases. In 2023 alone, over 5 million people developed TB in the region. Alarmingly, over half of all TB-related deaths globally occured in South-East asia, highlighting the urgent need for continued action.
ND3: The WHO highlighted a funding gap as a major obstacle to achieving TB eradication goals. Could you elaborate on the financial challenges?
Dr. Wazed: Although domestic funding for TB in the region reached US$1.1 billion in 2023, a critical shortfall of nearly US$2 billion persists. This lack of resources hinders thorough TB interventions and prevents us from reaching everyone in need of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
ND3: What strategies are being implemented to address these challenges and ensure progress continues?
Dr. Wazed: A multi-sectoral approach is crucial. We need collaboration between governments,communities,and civil society organizations. This collaborative effort must prioritize mobilizing additional resources, sharing knowledge, and focusing on reaching vulnerable populations.
ND3:
The Gandhinagar Declaration and the UN High-level Meeting on TB demonstrate a renewed commitment to ending TB. What are the key takeaways from these events?
dr. Wazed: These declarations outline ambitious targets to improve access to TB services while protecting human rights and addressing social determinants of TB. They also emphasize the importance of accelerating research and innovation in the fight against TB.
ND3: What message do you have for the international community regarding the fight against TB in South-East Asia?
Dr. Wazed: The fight against TB requires continued global support. Sustained political will, increased funding, and a united multi-sectoral approach are essential to achieving the goal of TB eradication in South-East Asia. Every effort counts in saving lives and ending this devastating disease.