Tackling the drug-resistant TB crisis
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance worldwide and continues to be a public health threat. Annually, about half a million people fall ill with drug-resistant TB globally.
Drug resistance is a formidable obstacle to TB care and prevention globally, making it harder and longer to treat, often with poorer outcomes for patients.
People with drug-resistant TB face significant economic and social costs and only 1 in 3 access quality care. Reaching the missing patients remains a significant public health challenge.
To address this, WHO reviews the latest evidence to set norms and standards for the diagnosis and care of drug-resistant TB. WHO works with countries, partners and civil society to expand rapid molecular diagnosis to detect drug-resistance, and to increase access to better and more effective treatments.
WHO has been working with countries to strengthen drug resistance surveillance since the early 1990s. Data collated represents 99% of the world's population and people with TB.
Through research and innovation, WHO works to accelerate development of rapid diagnostics and treatments for drug-resistant TB.
