Tuberculosis: A global overview of the Situation

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a global health crisis, affecting over 1.7 billion people worldwide by 1990—approximately one-third of the population. This review traces patterns in prevalence, incidence, and mortality, drawing attention to the uneven progress across regions. South-East Asia and China accounted for more than half of global TB cases, while Africa reported the highest incidence rate, averaging 220 cases per 100,000 population. HIV has emerged as a critical driver, contributing to nearly 305,000 additional TB cases and significantly raising mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite effective short-course chemotherapy and its cost-effectiveness, only about 46% of cases were being detected and treated globally at that time. Mortality remained high, with close to 3 million deaths estimated in 1990, concentrated in South-East Asia, China, and Africa. These findings reflect both medical and socio-economic challenges-ranging from poverty and under nutrition to gaps in health systems. The review emphasizes the urgent need for improved detection, sustained treatment adherence, investment in vaccines and shorter regimens, and strategies that address the social roots of vulnerability. Global elimination of TB will depend not only on medical innovation but also on political will and coordinated international action.