Controlling the Global TB Epidemic

A quarter of the world’s population – nearly 2 billion people – are infected with the TB bacteria, and approximately 10 million people become ill each year with the disease. Although it is preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, taking the lives of 4,100 people each day.

As a global community, we have made tremendous progress in ending TB, but challenges remain. Populations most vulnerable to TB, including children, pregnant women, people living with HIV, miners, and healthcare workers, are often missed by health systems and do not receive the care they need. Drug-resistant TB is a growing threat and poses another serious challenge to controlling the spread of TB worldwide.

CDC’s Division of Global HIV & TB (DGHT) is on the frontlines in more than 25 countries with high TB prevalence and working to sustain efforts by partner governments to find, cure, and prevent TB. CDC’s global TB response efforts help to ensure a safer America and a safer world.

These same platforms are being leveraged in the fight against COVID-19.

Key Facts

The latest statistics showing the burden of TB globally and the progress made to date

Icon stating that Nearly 2 Billion People are infected with TB

A fourth of the world’s population – nearly 2 billion people – are infected with TB

Icon stating that 500,000 cases of multidrug-resistant TB are reported each year

More than 500,000 cases of multidrug-resistant TB are reported each year

Icon stating that Global efforts have saved more than 50 million lives between 2000 - 2017

Global efforts have saved more than 50 million lives between 2000 and 2017

Icon stating that while TB exacts a severe economic toll, efforts to end TB are on of the best public health investments

Efforts to end TB are one of the best investments – yielding $43 for each $1 invested

Feature Stories

Learn how CDC and partners address historic gaps in TB treatment and prevention activities.

Young lady smiles and leans against a brick wall

Community Partnerships Increase TB Services in Tanzania

CDC and partners are mobilizing TB survivors and community leaders to provide health education and support for TB prevention and treatment services.

Increasing TPT Coverage For People Living with HIV in Ethiopia

The risk of developing TB is higher for those with a compromised immune system, including people living with HIV, for whom the risk is 20 times higher.

A group of health care workers sitting together

Partnering to End TB in Nigeria

Strong collaborations have provided meaningful progress in tackling the dual epidemics of TB and HIV and community members also play an essential role in this effort.