The health agency stressed that essential prevention, tests and treatment services are collapsed, leaving millions at risk.
The most affected regions include Africa, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific, where TB national programs depend largely on international support.
“Any interruption of TB services, whether financial, political or operational, can have already fatal devastating consequences for millions worldwide“Said Tereza Kasaeva, director of the WHO global program on TB and pulmonary health.
Last week, UN Secretary General, António Guterres, also raised the alarm on fund cuts, pointing out the immediate impact on key health programs that fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cholera.
A devastating setback
In the last two decades, Global TB programs have saved more than 79 million lives, avoiding approximately 3.65 million deaths last year.
A significant part of this success has been promoted by the financing of the US Government, which has provided around $ 200 to $ 250 million annually, approximately a quarter of the total international financing of international donors.
The United States has been the largest bilateral donor for programs that fight the disease.
However, the newly announced cuts by 2025 through executive orders will have Devastating impacts on TB response efforts in at least 18 high -loading countrieswhere 89 percent of the United States expected funds were assigned for patient care.
The impact will be particularly devastating in Africawhere the interruptions of the treatment and the dismissals of the staff could exponentially increase the transmission rates of TB.
Immense load
The first reports of countries affected by TB indicate that FUnding limitations are already dismantling essential health services.
Among the most pressing concerns are the dismissals of health workers, the shortage of medicines and the decomposition of the supply chain, data and surveillance systems are collapse, and interruptions for research and financing of tuberculosis.
“Without immediate action, progress won strongly in the fight against TB is at risk. Our collective response should be fast, strategic and totally resources to protect the most vulnerable and maintain the impulse towards the end of TB“He urged Dr. Kasaeva.
Call for urgent action
Who reaffirmed his commitment to support governments and global partners in the fight against tuberculosis.
“In these challenging times, who remain firm in their commitment to support national governments, civil society and global partners to ensure sustained funds and integrated solutions to safeguard the health and well -being of the most vulnerable to TB,” the agency said.
