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Tuberculosis (TB) has once again emerged as the world’s deadliest infectious disease, surpassing COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2023 alone, TB caused an estimated 1.25 million deaths and affected approximately 10.8 million people worldwide. Despite being both preventable and curable, TB continues to pose a serious global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare remains limited.

TB is caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* and most commonly affects the lungs, though it can also spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. The disease is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, making it highly contagious in crowded or poorly ventilated environments. Common symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, chest pain, fatigue, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, TB can be fatal.

Certain populations are especially vulnerable to TB, including people living with HIV, individuals suffering from malnutrition, and those exposed to poverty, overcrowding, or weakened healthcare systems. Drug-resistant TB has further complicated efforts to control the disease, as it requires longer, more expensive treatment with lower success rates.

The WHO continues to call for urgent global action to combat TB. Current strategies include improving early detection, expanding access to effective treatment, strengthening healthcare systems, and addressing social and economic factors that contribute to the spread of the disease. Researchers are also working on the development of new vaccines and shorter, more effective treatment regimens. Ending the global TB epidemic will require sustained international cooperation, increased funding, and a strong commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations.