Is tuberculosis making a comeback? How USAID cuts could trigger a global health crisis
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Shifts in global health trends can have serious consequences, especially when critical resources are disrupted.
Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, affecting millions every year.
Now, experts warn that recent decisions could worsen the situation, putting even more lives at risk.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs but can spread to other organs.
It can remain dormant for years before becoming active.
When symptoms appear, they include a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Without treatment, TB can be fatal.
In 2023 alone, tuberculosis claimed approximately 1.25 million lives worldwide.
That same year, 8.2 million new cases were reported, marking a troubling increase.
Also read: Discovery in US bogs could revolutionize tuberculosis treatment!
For years, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a key role in tuberculosis prevention and treatment.
The agency has provided up to $250 million annually to support TB programs in 24 countries.
This funding has helped secure access to medications, improve laboratory testing, and maintain disease surveillance. But recent budget cuts have put these programs at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that drug supply chains are breaking down. Health programs are struggling with understaffing. Research trials are being put on hold.
In countries with high TB rates, such as Uganda, these disruptions are already taking a toll.
Community health workers who track and treat TB cases are no longer being paid.
Without their outreach efforts, undiagnosed patients may unknowingly spread the disease.
According to estimates from the Stop TB Partnership, USAID’s funding cuts may have already resulted in 3,400 additional TB deaths and 6,000 new infections since January 2024.
Also read: Breakthrough discovery: How scientists are overcoming drug-resistant tuberculosis
Health officials warn that this problem is not limited to other countries.
Tuberculosis can spread anywhere. A rise in global cases increases the risk of transmission to the United States.
In fact, TB cases in the US have already surged. Over 9,600 cases were reported in 2023.
This marks a 16% increase from the previous year. An outbreak in Kansas has led to 68 active cases since early 2024.
Some view these funding cuts as a way to reduce federal spending.
However, experts caution that the long-term consequences could be severe.
The WHO has set a goal to reduce tuberculosis cases by 80% and deaths by 90% by 2030. Without USAID’s support, reaching this target will be even more difficult.
USAID has played a crucial role in global health efforts. The agency has funded mobile clinics, secured drug supply chains, and helped develop new treatments.
Losing these resources could cost millions of lives and weaken the world’s ability to prevent future outbreaks.
Also read: Shocking health alert: Tuberculosis now the deadliest disease – Are you at risk?
The global fight against tuberculosis is at a turning point. If funding remains cut, years of progress could be undone.
Health officials fear an increase in preventable deaths. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis do not respect borders.
Public health experts stress that global health programs are critical—not just for vulnerable communities abroad, but for protecting public safety in the United States as well.
Do you think these funding cuts will have lasting consequences? Have you or someone you know been affected by tuberculosis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more:
Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, affecting millions every year.
Now, experts warn that recent decisions could worsen the situation, putting even more lives at risk.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily attacks the lungs but can spread to other organs.
It can remain dormant for years before becoming active.
The growing threat of tuberculosis poses significant challenges to global public health. Image source: eNCA / YouTube
When symptoms appear, they include a persistent cough, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Without treatment, TB can be fatal.
In 2023 alone, tuberculosis claimed approximately 1.25 million lives worldwide.
That same year, 8.2 million new cases were reported, marking a troubling increase.
Also read: Discovery in US bogs could revolutionize tuberculosis treatment!
For years, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has played a key role in tuberculosis prevention and treatment.
The agency has provided up to $250 million annually to support TB programs in 24 countries.
This funding has helped secure access to medications, improve laboratory testing, and maintain disease surveillance. But recent budget cuts have put these programs at risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that drug supply chains are breaking down. Health programs are struggling with understaffing. Research trials are being put on hold.
In countries with high TB rates, such as Uganda, these disruptions are already taking a toll.
Community health workers who track and treat TB cases are no longer being paid.
Without their outreach efforts, undiagnosed patients may unknowingly spread the disease.
According to estimates from the Stop TB Partnership, USAID’s funding cuts may have already resulted in 3,400 additional TB deaths and 6,000 new infections since January 2024.
Also read: Breakthrough discovery: How scientists are overcoming drug-resistant tuberculosis
Health officials warn that this problem is not limited to other countries.
Tuberculosis can spread anywhere. A rise in global cases increases the risk of transmission to the United States.
In fact, TB cases in the US have already surged. Over 9,600 cases were reported in 2023.
This marks a 16% increase from the previous year. An outbreak in Kansas has led to 68 active cases since early 2024.
Some view these funding cuts as a way to reduce federal spending.
However, experts caution that the long-term consequences could be severe.
The WHO has set a goal to reduce tuberculosis cases by 80% and deaths by 90% by 2030. Without USAID’s support, reaching this target will be even more difficult.
USAID has played a crucial role in global health efforts. The agency has funded mobile clinics, secured drug supply chains, and helped develop new treatments.
Losing these resources could cost millions of lives and weaken the world’s ability to prevent future outbreaks.
Also read: Shocking health alert: Tuberculosis now the deadliest disease – Are you at risk?
The global fight against tuberculosis is at a turning point. If funding remains cut, years of progress could be undone.
Health officials fear an increase in preventable deaths. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis do not respect borders.
Public health experts stress that global health programs are critical—not just for vulnerable communities abroad, but for protecting public safety in the United States as well.
Do you think these funding cuts will have lasting consequences? Have you or someone you know been affected by tuberculosis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Read more:
