The Neglected Goliath: Tuberculosis and Nutrition Deserve More Attention and Funding

Despite being some of the world’s most pressing challenges, tuberculosis and nutrition often receive little attention and funding from governments and private philanthropies. While issues like climate change, war, and immigration are constantly in the news and considered major global priorities, these diseases have a significant impact on a billion people worldwide.

In contrast to other neglected tropical diseases such as rabies, river blindness, and leprosy, which have programs dedicated to them within the World Health Organization but lead to the deaths of 200,000 people each year in poorer countries, there is an issue that affects even more people but receives little attention. This disease could be aptly named the “neglected enormous disease” due to its widespread impact on a significant portion of the global population.

Addressing this challenge would require concerted efforts from governments and private philanthropies around the world to increase funding for research and treatment programs. By prioritizing this issue alongside more well-known challenges like climate change and war, we can work towards creating a healthier and more equitable world for all.