WHO Warns of Imminent Collapse of Tuberculosis Programs in 27 Countries

Global funding shortfalls jeopardize progress against the world's deadliest infectious disease, with multidrug-resistant strains on the rise.

Tuberculosis, the deadliest infectious disease globally, causes 1.5 million deaths annually and remains a persistent public health threat.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that reduced development aid from major donors like the US, UK, and Germany risks collapsing TB programs in 27 countries.
Since 2000, early diagnosis and treatment have saved 79 million lives, but only a quarter of the $22 billion required for global TB efforts is currently available.
In Germany, TB cases have slightly declined in 2025 compared to 2024, but Saxony has seen an increase in multidrug-resistant strains, rising from 7% to 9% in recent years.
The WHO emphasizes that increased global mobility exacerbates the spread of TB, making sustained international cooperation and funding critical to containment efforts.