Research indicates that drug resistance may be a significant factor in hindering progress towards the global goal of reducing tuberculosis (TB) mortality. Specifically, only 17 countries worldwide managed to achieve the 2020 End TB mortality milestone. The study, conducted by researchers, sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced in combatting TB and reaching the ambitious targets set by the World Health Organization's (WHO) End TB Strategy.
India, one of the countries under scrutiny, experienced a marginal decrease of 0.5 percent in tuberculosis incidence between 2015 and 2020, failing to meet the WHO's END-TB milestone for 2020. The research published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal highlighted that India's TB incidence, at 213 cases per one lakh population in 2020, exceeded the WHO's milestone figure of 171 cases per one lakh population for the country. Additionally, the estimated deaths due to TB in India in the same year were notably higher than the mortality milestone set by WHO, underscoring the uphill battle in tackling this infectious disease in the country.
The findings revealed that while there has been progress in reducing the burden of TB globally over the past decade, the world fell short of achieving the initial interim milestones set by the WHO End TB Strategy in 2020. The study further observed disparities in the pace of decline across different age groups, with adults aged 50 years and above displaying the slowest progress. On a more positive note, children under the age of 15 witnessed significant reductions in TB burden between 2015 and 2020, although challenges persist in maintaining progress, especially concerning the outdoor transmission of the disease.
The research highlighted the importance of innovative approaches, such as integrating contact-tracing with community-based screening and prevention strategies, as crucial steps toward continued progress in combating TB globally. Furthermore, addressing the specific needs of older adults, who represent a significant portion of TB incident cases and deaths, was emphasized as essential for achieving the End TB targets. With a focus on developing shorter, less toxic treatments and ensuring early diagnosis for this age group, researchers believe progress can be made in reducing TB deaths and incidence rates.