The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the US decision to freeze funding for tuberculosis programs threatens millions of lives worldwide, particularly in poorer countries that depend on American assistance.
In a statement, WHO highlighted that global efforts to combat tuberculosis—the world’s deadliest infectious disease—have saved over 79 million lives in the past two decades. However, the sudden halt in US aid now jeopardizes these achievements.
“Unexpected budget cuts risk reversing hard-won progress, placing millions, especially the most vulnerable, at great risk,” WHO cautioned.
The funding freeze is part of broader US cuts affecting international health initiatives, as Washington reassesses its global commitments. The situation is further complicated by US plans to withdraw from WHO, raising concerns over the future of global health programs.
