Decades of Progress at Risk
Over the past 20 years, tuberculosis (TB) prevention, testing, and treatment efforts have saved more than 79 million lives, preventing 3.65 million deaths in the past year alone. Foreign aid, especially from USAID, has been crucial in combating TB in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, sudden funding cuts now threaten to reverse these gains, putting millions—especially the most vulnerable—at risk.
U.S. Role in Global TB Response
As per the WHO press release, The U.S. government has provided approximately US$200–250 million annually for bilateral TB programs, accounting for one-quarter of total international donor funding. As the largest bilateral donor, the U.S. played a key role in supporting TB care in 18 high-burden countries, where 89% of expected funding depended on U.S. contributions. The African region faces the worst impact, followed by South-East Asia and the Western Pacific.
Severe Impact on TB Services
Funding cuts are already dismantling essential TB services in the 30 highest TB-burden countries. The disruptions include:
- Healthcare workforce crisis: Thousands of health workers are losing jobs, while technical assistance roles have been suspended.
- Drug supply chain breakdowns: Staff shortages and funding gaps disrupt TB treatment availability.
- Diagnostic delays: Laboratory service disruptions and supply shortages hinder timely TB detection.
- Data failures: Surveillance system breakdowns affect routine reporting and drug resistance monitoring.
- Reduced community engagement: Fewer resources for screening, contact tracing, and case finding increase transmission risks.
Additionally, USAID has halted all TB research trials, stalling innovation in TB treatment.
WHO Calls for Urgent Action
Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, WHO’s Global TB Programme Director, warns, “Any disruption to TB services can have fatal consequences. Without urgent intervention, progress will be lost.” WHO remains committed to securing funding and supporting global TB response efforts to protect vulnerable populations.