WHO Warns of Possible Tuberculosis Surge Due to USAID Cuts
Health Authorities Sound the Alarm
Health authorities are calling attention to a looming consequence of the Trump administration’s gutting of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID): the risk of a global surge in tuberculosis cases and deaths.
The Consequences of Cuts
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned this week that the sweeping funding cuts could endanger millions of lives, since many countries depend on foreign aid for TB prevention, testing, and treatment.
Global Impact
Globally, tuberculosis is responsible for the most deaths of any infectious disease. Around 1.25 million people died from the bacterial infection in 2023, the latest data available, and new cases hit an all-time high that year, with around 8.2 million people diagnosed, according to the WHO.
USAID’s Role
Until recently, USAID provided about a quarter of the international donor funding for tuberculosis services in other countries – up to $250 million annually, according to the WHO. The agency operated tuberculosis programs in 24 countries.
Consequences of Cuts
Because of the U.S. funding cuts, drug supply chains in other countries are “breaking down,” laboratory services are “severely disrupted,” and surveillance systems are “collapsing,” making it difficult to identify, monitor, and treat tuberculosis cases. Some research trials have been halted, as well.
Impact on Low-Income Countries
That has incapacitated some national tuberculosis programs, with the WHO warning of devastating impacts in 18 countries with the highest burden of disease, many of which are in Africa.
Uganda’s Experience
In Uganda, the rollback of USAID funding has made it hard to pay community health workers, leading to understaffing, said Dr. Luke Davis, a clinical epidemiologist at the Yale School of Public Health. Such workers play a critical role in notifying people who test positive for tuberculosis, getting them treatment, and screening their close contacts for infection.
Global Consequences
Since Jan. 24, the discontinuation of USAID funding may have led to an estimated 3,400 additional tuberculosis deaths and 6,000 additional infections, according to a project modeling the impact of the cuts. The model is coordinated by the Stop TB Partnership, a United Nations organization that aims to eliminate tuberculosis as a public health problem.
Affected U.S. Cases
Any increase in the disease’s spread could affect the U.S., since it would allow more people who live or travel abroad to bring the disease in. Already, tuberculosis cases in the U.S. have risen: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded more than 9,600 cases in 2023, a nearly 16% increase from the year prior and a 9% increase over prepandemic levels in 2019.
Conclusion
The World Health Organization’s warning is dire: without immediate action, hard-won progress in the fight against TB is at risk. The consequences of the USAID cuts are far-reaching, with devastating impacts on countries and communities around the world. It is essential to restore funding for global health initiatives, including tuberculosis prevention, testing, and treatment, to prevent a global surge in TB cases and deaths.
FAQs
What is the impact of USAID cuts on global health?
The cuts have led to disruptions in drug supply chains, laboratory services, and surveillance systems, making it difficult to identify, monitor, and treat tuberculosis cases. This has resulted in a significant increase in TB cases and deaths globally.
How many people have died from tuberculosis in 2023?
Around 1.25 million people died from the bacterial infection in 2023, the latest data available.
What is the goal of the World Health Organization’s TB elimination program?
The WHO aims to reduce tuberculosis cases by 80% and deaths by 90% by 2030.
What is the current state of tuberculosis in the United States?
Tuberculosis cases in the U.S. have risen: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded more than 9,600 cases in 2023, a nearly 16% increase from the year prior and a 9% increase over prepandemic levels in 2019.
How many countries are affected by the USAID cuts?
The cuts have affected 18 countries with the highest burden of disease, many of which are in Africa.
What is the current situation in Uganda?
In Uganda, the rollback of USAID funding has led to understaffing of community health workers, making it difficult to notify people who test positive for tuberculosis, get them treatment, and screen their close contacts for infection.
