The partnership’s analysis showed a drop of between 16 and 41 per cent in terms of the numbers diagnosed and treated for TB last year, back to levels seen in 2008 in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Ukraine, nine countries that together represent 60 per cent of the global TB burden.
Some countries, like India, took action when the pandemic initially hit, which have mitigated the impact somewhat, Dr Ditiu said.
However, she said the picture was only likely to worsen, as lockdowns have led to extended household contact, making transmission more likely.
TB is less contagious than Covid, although it is also airborne and has similar symptoms. It spreads mainly in households or between other extended close contacts, for example in schools or workplaces.
Dr Ditiu said many sufferers were also being diagnosed late because of the lockdowns. Gaps in treatment may also lead to a rise in cases of drug-resistant TB, she said.