Tuberculosis Remains a Threat to Europe: *The Lancet* Outlines Reasons to Take Immediate Action
Despite modern healthcare systems and many years of experience in combating tuberculosis, Europe remains vulnerable to this infectious disease.
This is discussed in a new article published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
The authors of the article cite four key reasons why European countries need to pay more attention to tuberculosis: mortality from the disease, armed conflicts, forced migration, and cuts in international funding for health programs.
It is estimated that in 2024, 204,000 people in the WHO European Region contracted tuberculosis, and another 19,000 died from the disease. The authors emphasize that most of these deaths could have been prevented through timely diagnosis and treatment.
Wars and humanitarian crises remain additional risk factors. In particular, the conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip are leading to deteriorating living conditions, disruptions in the provision of medical care, and an increased risk of tuberculosis transmission.
Forced migration is also cited among the challenges. By the end of 2025, the authors estimate that more than 20 million displaced persons and stateless individuals will be living in the WHO European Region, including 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees. This underscores the need to ensure access to tuberculosis prevention and treatment for all people, regardless of their status.
The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis is a particular cause for concern. In 2024, up to 55,000 such cases were reported in the WHO European Region, one of the highest rates in the world.
The authors warn that cuts to international aid for global health could jeopardize the progress made in the fight against tuberculosis and HIV. They emphasize that investments in prevention, treatment, and research are not acts of charity, but rather contributions to global health security.