Trump Aid Review & Global TB Efforts
U.S. global TB programs are in crisis, facing disruption due to funding freezes, and the dissolution of USAID—threatening millions of lives. Recent executive actions, including a foreign aid review, have created a cascade of setbacks, halting crucial prevention and treatment efforts worldwide.The U.S., a historic leader in combating tuberculosis, now risks reversing decades of progress. With notable cuts to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs and a dwindling financial commitment, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports severe disruptions across high-burden countries. These changes could lead to an explosion of new TB cases by 2030 and 2040. News Directory 3 provides a critical overview of these alarming trends impacting vulnerable communities. Discover what’s next as the FY 2026 budget request and further administrative actions come to light.
US Global TB Efforts Disrupted by Funding Cuts, USAID Changes
U.S. government-backed global tuberculosis (TB) programs are experiencing significant setbacks following executive actions that included a foreign aid review, a “stop-work order,” and the dissolution of USAID. These actions have led to funding freezes, canceled awards, and overall disruption of TB prevention and treatment efforts worldwide.
The U.S. government has historically been a major contributor to global TB control,saving an estimated 58 million lives since 2000. However, recent policy shifts threaten to reverse this progress.A limited waiver issued by the State Department allowed some “life-saving services” to continue, but implementers still face challenges in resuming programs and receiving payments.
The dissolution of USAID, the primary implementing agency for U.S. TB efforts, has further weakened program capacity. Proposed budget cuts at the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) could also negatively impact global TB initiatives. Analysis indicates that 79% of USAID global health awards with TB activities have been terminated.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the 30 countries with the highest TB burden are already experiencing the effects of U.S.funding withdrawals, including staff losses and disruptions to drug supply chains and laboratory services. A WHO survey found that approximately 40% of country offices reported moderate to severe disruptions to TB services.
Modeling studies suggest that U.S. TB program cuts could result in millions of new TB cases and additional deaths in high-burden countries by 2030 and 2040. Researchers warn that the “loss of U.S. funding endangers global TB control.”
What’s next
The administration’s foreign aid review results, the proposed dissolution of USAID, and congressional decisions on the FY 2026 budget request will determine the future of U.S.global TB efforts. The administration’s FY 2026 budget request includes a $228 million reduction for TB.