By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning regarding the potential setbacks in the battle against tuberculosis (TB) due to severe funding cuts, particularly from the United States.
These cuts threaten crucial TB prevention, testing, and treatment services, leaving millions at risk. WHO pointed out that regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, which heavily depend on international support for their TB programs, are especially vulnerable.
Tereza Kasaeva, the Director of WHO’s Global Programme on TB and Lung Health, stressed that “Any disruption to TB services – whether financial, political or operational – can have devastating and often fatal consequences for millions worldwide.”
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also voiced his concerns, noting the significant impact these funding cuts have on health initiatives aimed at combatting TB, as well as other major diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
In the past two decades, global TB programs have saved over 79 million lives, with the U.S. contributing around $200 to $250 million annually to these efforts.
However, newly implemented funding cuts for 2025 threaten to reverse this progress in at least 18 high-burden countries, where the majority of U.S. funds have been allocated for patient care.
Kasaeva emphasized, “Without immediate action, hard-won progress in the fight against TB is at risk. Our collective response must be swift, strategic, and fully resourced to protect the most vulnerable.”
WHO remains committed to supporting national governments and global partners in securing the necessary resources to continue the fight against TB.
Kasaeva reaffirmed, “In these challenging times, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting national governments, civil society, and global partners in securing sustained funding and integrated solutions to safeguard the health and well-being of those most vulnerable to TB.”
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