The health agency emphasized that essential prevention, testing and treatment services collapse and leave millions at risk.
The most severely affected regions include Africa, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, where national TB programs strongly depend on international support.
“Any disturbance of TB services – whether economically, political or operational – may have devastating and often deadly consequences for millions all over the world“Said Tereza Kasaeva, director of WHO’s global program on TB and Lung Health.
Last week, the UN Secretary -General António Guterres also raised the alarm over cuts in funding and noticed the immediate influence on the most important health programs fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera.
A devastating setback
During the past two decades, Global TB programs have saved more than 79 million lives, which averts approx. 3.65 million deaths last year alone.
A significant part of this success has been driven by the US government financing, which has given about $ 200 to $ 250 million annually – about a quarter of the total international donor financing secured.
The United States has been the largest bilateral donor for programs fighting the disease.
However, newly advertised cuts for 2025 through executive orders will have Destructive influences on TB response efforts in at least 18 countries with high burdenWhere 89 percent of expected US funding was awarded to patient care.
The effect will be Particularly devastating in AfricaWhere dismissal of treatment disorders and staff can exponentially increase the TB transmission speeds.
Huge burden
Early reports from TB-affected countries indicate that fPrior limitations are already disassembling important healthcare.
Among the most pressing concerns are dismissals of health workers, drug shortages and the degradation of the supply chain, data and surveillance systems are collapse and disturbances in TB research and financing.
“Without immediate action, hard -won progress in the fight against TB is in danger. Our collective response must be quick, strategic and full resources to protect the most vulnerable and maintain momentum against ending TB”Urban Dr. Kasaeva.
Call for urgent action
There confirmed its commitment to supporting governments and global partners in the fight against TB.
“In these challenging times that remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting national governments, civil society and global partners in ensuring sustained financing and integrated solutions to protect health and well -being for those most vulnerable to TB,” the agency said.
