Slashing tuberculosis aid could endanger millions of lives abroad, health authorities say, with potential consequences for the U.S., where TB cases have also been rising.

Summary

The World Health Organization warns that Trump administration cuts to USAID could trigger a global tuberculosis surge, endangering millions of lives.

USAID previously provided about 25% of international TB funding, supporting programs in 24 countries. Since January, these cuts have disrupted drug supply chains, laboratory services, and surveillance systems in high-burden countries, potentially causing an estimated 3,400 additional deaths and 6,000 new infections.

Health experts caution this global spread could affect the US, where TB cases have already increased by 16% since 2022.

The cuts are part of broader federal spending cuts led by Elon Musk, who stated he was “feeding USAID into the wood chipper.”