TB Battle at Risk as US Slashes Funding, WHO Alerts

News Desk

New York: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that significant cuts in US funding could severely impact global efforts to combat tuberculosis (TB).

The United States, the largest bilateral donor for global TB programs, has provided between $200 million to $250 million annually.

However, in January, President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on foreign aid delivered through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Last week, the administration canceled contracts worth approximately $60 billion for humanitarian projects, including global health programs.

According to WHO, these cuts will affect TB response efforts in at least 18 high-burden countries, where 89 percent of US funding was allocated for patient care.

The hardest-hit regions include Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, with Africa particularly vulnerable due to expected staff layoffs and treatment disruptions that could lead to rising TB rates.

“Any disruption to TB services – whether financial, political, or operational – can have devastating and often fatal consequences for millions worldwide,” warned Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Programme on TB and Lung Health.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also raised concerns about the funding cuts, highlighting their immediate impact on critical health programs. Over the past two decades, global TB initiatives have saved more than 79 million lives, preventing approximately 3.65 million deaths last year alone.

The US has historically contributed nearly a quarter of the total international donor funding for TB eradication.

The newly announced funding cuts for 2025 are expected to have severe consequences, particularly in Africa, where disruptions to treatment and healthcare workforce reductions could accelerate TB transmission. Early reports from affected countries indicate that financial constraints are already dismantling essential health services. Key concerns include:

• Health worker layoffs
• Drug shortages and supply chain disruptions
• Breakdown of data and surveillance systems

Halted TB research and funding

“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 and maintain momentum toward ending TB,” Dr Kasaeva emphasized.

WHO reaffirmed its commitment to supporting national governments, civil society, and global partners in securing sustainable funding and integrated solutions to protect those most vulnerable to TB.

“In these challenging times, WHO remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring sustained funding and innovative solutions to safeguard global health,” the agency stated.