[Comment] Breaking dependency: strengthening the global tuberculosis response in the face of USAID cuts
As World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2025, approaches, global health authorities yet again find themselves at a crucial juncture in efforts to tackle the continuing global emergency of tuberculosis. 2023 saw 10·8 million new tuberculosis cases and 1·25 million deaths—including 161 000 deaths among HIV-infected individuals.1 The decision by the US Government to abruptly freeze the activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) astounded the world.2 As the USA is a major contributor to tuberculosis initiatives in countries with high burdens of tuberculosis and HIV, this action has been seen as endangering progress made in achieving WHO and UN targets of ending tuberculosis by 2030.
As World Tuberculosis Day on March 24, 2025, approaches, global health authorities yet again find themselves at a crucial juncture in efforts to tackle the continuing global emergency of tuberculosis. 2023 saw 10·8 million new tuberculosis cases and 1·25 million deaths—including 161 000 deaths among HIV-infected individuals.1 The decision by the US Government to abruptly freeze the activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) astounded the world.2 As the USA is a major contributor to tuberculosis initiatives in countries with high burdens of tuberculosis and HIV, this action has been seen as endangering progress made in achieving WHO and UN targets of ending tuberculosis by 2030.
