In 2023, approximately 10.8 million people fell ill with TB worldwide, with new cases rising since 2020, underscoring the disease's persistent threat.

Drug-sensitive TB, which accounts for most cases, can be treated with affordable medications, but challenges remain in identifying patients and ensuring treatment completion.

On World Tuberculosis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning that 27 countries are at risk of collapsing their tuberculosis (TB) programs due to significant cuts in development aid.

Health experts are raising alarms about the global mobility of people, which makes the threat of TB a concern for all nations.

As TB continues to claim approximately 1.5 million lives annually, the WHO's call for collective action is critical to prevent the decimation of TB response efforts.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, warned that funding cuts disrupt access to essential TB prevention, screening, and treatment services.

In 2023, only a quarter of the $22 billion needed for TB control was available, highlighting a significant funding shortfall that threatens progress against the disease.

The WHO and the Civil Society Task Force on Tuberculosis have called for coordinated action from governments and health leaders to address TB service disruptions.

Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Programme on TB, stresses that investing in TB is both a moral and economic necessity, especially as TB remains the leading infectious disease killer worldwide.

The WHO emphasized the urgent need for funding to combat TB, highlighting that a lack of resources could lead to increased infections globally.

The rise of drug-resistant TB poses a significant health security risk, as untreated cases can infect others and poorly managed drug-sensitive cases could mutate into drug-resistant strains.

Helen Branswell's recent coverage emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to manage the effects of these aid cuts responsibly to prevent a TB resurgence.