Global tuberculosis report 2012

Tuberculosis remains a major global public health problem and one of the leading causes of death from an infectious disease worldwide, despite the availability of effective treatment and long-standing control strategies. This report presents a comprehensive assessment of the global tuberculosis epidemic and progress in prevention, care and control at global, regional and national levels, based primarily on data reported by countries through WHO’s global monitoring system, and situates these findings within targets established under the Millennium Development Goals and the Stop TB Strategy.

It examines trends in incidence, prevalence and mortality, including an estimated 8.7 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in 2011, and documents that the target of halting and reversing tuberculosis incidence has been achieved globally. The report describes key components of the response, including case detection and treatment outcomes, diagnostics and laboratory strengthening, financing, and research and development, as well as collaborative activities addressing TB/HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis. It highlights substantial expansion of access to treatment since the mid-1990s, contributing to millions of lives saved, alongside persistent challenges such as missed cases, limited coverage of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment and significant funding gaps. Intended for policymakers, programme managers and stakeholders, it underscores the need to strengthen health systems, expand access to quality care and accelerate innovation to sustain progress and reduce the global burden of tuberculosis.