The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised serious concerns about the impact of funding cuts on the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). The agency warns that reduced financial support—especially from the United States—could reverse decades of progress in controlling the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Essential TB services, including prevention, testing, and treatment, are already struggling due to budget cuts. This puts millions of lives at risk, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, where national TB programs rely heavily on international funding.
A Crisis for TB Patients
Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s Global TB Programme, emphasized the dangers of reduced funding. She stated that any disruption—whether financial, political, or operational—could have deadly consequences. When TB programs lose support, health systems collapse, leading to more infections, untreated cases, and preventable deaths.
On February 24, UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed concern over these funding cuts, warning of their immediate impact on major health programs fighting TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and cholera.
The Role of U.S. Funding in TB Control
Over the past two decades, global TB initiatives have saved more than 79 million lives. In 2023 alone, these efforts prevented 3.65 million deaths. A major part of this success was driven by U.S. funding, which contributed $200–$250 million annually—about 25% of all international donor support for TB programs.
However, newly announced U.S. budget cuts for 2025 are expected to severely impact TB response in at least 18 high-burden countries. Africa will be hit the hardest, as treatment disruptions and staff layoffs could cause TB transmission rates to rise sharply.
Immediate Consequences Already Visible
Reports from TB-affected countries indicate that budget shortfalls are already dismantling essential health services. Key issues include:
- Layoffs of health workers
- Drug shortages and supply chain failures
- Gaps in TB data collection and surveillance
- Halted research and funding for new treatments
Without urgent action, these setbacks could undo years of hard-won progress. Kasaeva stressed the need for a swift, strategic, and well-funded response to protect vulnerable populations and keep TB control efforts on track.
Despite these challenges, WHO remains committed to supporting governments, civil society, and global health partners. The agency is urging world leaders to step up their financial commitments and ensure TB programs receive the resources needed to continue life-saving work.
