The Overlooked Epidemic: The Urgent Need to Address Tuberculosis and Nutrition as Global Concerns

Despite being significant global concerns, tuberculosis and nutrition often receive little attention and funding from states and private philanthropies. While diseases such as rabies, river blindness, and leprosy are categorized as “neglected tropical diseases” and lead to the deaths of 200,000 people each year in poorer countries, there is a challenge that has been largely overlooked despite affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. This challenge could be aptly named the “neglected enormous disease” due to its widespread impact on a significant portion of the global population.

While climate change, war, and immigration are constantly in the news and receive significant attention and funding, other critical issues such as tuberculosis and nutrition are often overshadowed. Despite being important global concerns, these issues do not receive the same level of focus or awareness as other challenges that have garnered more attention over the years. However, it is essential to recognize that these challenges still require urgent attention and resources to address effectively.