'First ever' fall in global TB The number of people falling ill
with tuberculosis has declined for the first time, according to
the World Health Organization. New figures show the global death
toll has also fallen, to its lowest level in a decade, with
major headway made in China, Brazil, Kenya and Tanzania. But the
WHO warns that a lack of funds threatens progress, especially in
relation to multi-drug resistant TB. UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon said there was no cause for complacency. According to
the WHO, the figures represent a significant milestone in the
battle against a disease that infects one third of the world's
population, although only a small proportion become sick as a
result. End Quote Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Too many millions still develop TB each year, and too many die”
The number of people who died from tuberculosis peaked at 1.8
million people in 2003; by 2010 this had declined to 1.4
million.Challenges ahead Spectacular progress was made in China,
said the WHO, where