The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over drastic funding cuts, particularly from the United States, threatening decades of progress in combating tuberculosis (TB). Despite significant strides, TB remains the deadliest infectious disease worldwide.
Essential prevention, testing, and treatment services are crumbling, putting millions at risk. The most affected regions—Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific—rely heavily on international funding to sustain TB programs.
“Any disruption to tuberculosis services—whether financial, political, or operational—can have devastating consequences. These disruptions can also be fatal,” said Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global TB Programme.
A DANGEROUS SETBACK
Global TB programs have saved over 79 million lives in the past 20 years, preventing 3.65 million deaths in 2023 alone. The US government has fueled a significant portion of this success. It has contributed $200 to $250 million annually. This amount is nearly a quarter of total international donor support.
Yet, newly announced funding cuts for 2025 will severely impact tuberculosis response efforts in at least 18 high-burden countries. Nearly 89% of anticipated US funding was earmarked for patient care, making the consequences particularly dire.
The situation is most critical in Africa, where treatment disruptions and workforce reductions could drastically increase tuberculosis transmission rates.
ESCALATING BURDEN OF TB
Countries already struggling with TB face mounting challenges due to financial constraints. Major concerns include:
- Healthcare worker layoffs
- Medication shortages
- Supply chain disruptions
- Breakdown of surveillance and data tracking systems
- Delayed tuberculosis research and innovation
“Without immediate action, hard-won gains in TB control are at risk. A swift, well-resourced response is essential to protect the most vulnerable,” urged Dr. Kasaeva.
URGENT GLOBAL ACTION NEEDED
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to combating TB. It called on governments, civil society, and global partners to secure sustained funding. They need to develop integrated solutions.
“In these challenging times, WHO remains resolute in protecting those most at risk. It is also maintaining momentum in the fight against TB,” the agency stated.
Without urgent intervention, the world risks losing decades of progress. The time to act is now.
