Taking tuberculosis out of the shadows

Before COVID-19 took over, tuberculosis was the deadliest infectious disease in the world. Now it is number two but no less worrisome. World Tuberculosis Day is observed on March 24, with this years’ theme: “Yes! We can end TB!”. A vital and powerful message to inspire hope and encourage high level leadership and increased investment at a time of great setbacks towards the goal of ending tuberculosis. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2022, not only did tuberculosis incidence increase by 4·5% for the first time in 20 years, but also deaths increased from 1·5 million in 2020, to 1·6 million in 2021.