The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the surge in Tuberculosis (TB) cases across Africa, attributing the rise to a sudden halt in foreign aid. The recent decision by the U.S. government to suspend funding for global health programs has disrupted crucial TB prevention and treatment efforts, leaving millions at risk. Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized that the impact of this funding cut is already evident, with many TB programs slowing down or shutting down entirely.
The Stop TB Partnership, an organization focused on TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention across Africa, has been among the hardest hit by the funding withdrawal. The program was heavily reliant on donor contributions, particularly from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been instrumental in supporting TB response efforts in over 100 countries. The sudden disruption of financial support has severely affected the procurement of essential TB medicines, diagnostic tests, and preventive care initiatives.
Dr. Ihekweazu noted that TB is the most impacted disease, as most of the medications, testing kits, and preventive measures were directly funded through international aid. With the stoppage of these activities, he warned of an impending health crisis. The African continent has long struggled with high TB infection rates, often exacerbated by co-infections with HIV/AIDS and malaria. In 2022 alone, at least 2.5 million people in Africa fell ill with TB, representing a quarter of all new global cases. Tragically, an estimated 424,000 people in the region succumbed to the disease that same year.
Speaking at the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr. Ihekweazu stressed that the continent risks losing significant progress made in combating infectious diseases. He pointed out that countries like Kenya, which has long been a beneficiary of anti-TB programs, are already feeling the effects. In Kenya, the disruption of TB services has resulted in a lack of sample referral mechanisms, making it difficult to detect and treat drug-resistant TB cases. These patients, if left undiagnosed, pose a major risk to the broader population due to the highly contagious nature of TB.
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, TB cases will rise sharply, with patients facing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Drug-resistant TB, which requires longer and more expensive treatment with severe side effects, is expected to increase. Furthermore, the breakdown in sample collection networks has led to situations where TB test samples are being discarded due to a lack of transport and logistics support. Stephen Anguva, the National Coordinator of the Network of TB Champions in Kenya, has called for urgent government intervention, urging authorities to step in and take over the transport and referral system for TB testing.
The freeze on foreign aid has come at a particularly challenging time, with TB infections rising globally, especially among children under five. In Kenya, childhood TB cases have increased, with reports indicating a rise from 12% in 2023 to 13% in 2024. In 2023 alone, 139,000 people in Kenya developed TB, including 17,000 children. These alarming figures highlight the urgent need for alternative funding solutions and stronger domestic healthcare investments.
Beyond TB, the suspension of foreign aid has also affected malaria and HIV/AIDS programs across Africa. Many critical health services supported by donor funding are now at risk, threatening the lives of millions who depend on them. Dr. Ihekweazu urged African governments to take proactive measures to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for increased investment in local pharmaceutical production to reduce dependency on external funding. He called for strategic efforts to build Africa’s capacity to manufacture essential medicines and vaccines, ensuring the sustainability of healthcare programs in the long run.
As the world grapples with ongoing health challenges, WHO officials remain uncertain about the future of the suspended funding. Although a 90-day suspension order is currently in place, the impact on African healthcare systems is already severe. Public health experts stress that urgent action is needed to prevent a catastrophic health crisis, warning that if TB is left unchecked, it could spiral into a full-blown epidemic.
