Governments and donors must ensure funding is sustained to fight tuberculosis (TB), organizations working to stop the disease have said. As they warn the recent US pullback on foreign aid is already having a devastating effect on their operations, NGOs and other groups that play a critical role in national efforts to stop what is known as the “silent killer” are calling for urgent action.
Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It is estimated that about 10 million people worldwide fall ill with TB each year, with 1.6 million dying from the disease. Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death globally, and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent.
In recent years, significant progress has been made in the fight against TB, with a 22% reduction in the global TB mortality rate since 2000. However, this progress is now at risk as governments and donors reduce funding for TB programs. According to a recent report by the Stop TB Partnership, the US government has reduced its funding for TB programs by 20% in the past two years, leaving a $1.3 billion gap in funding for TB programs worldwide.
The effects of this funding gap are already being felt on the ground, with organizations struggling to maintain their operations and reach those in need of TB treatment and care. The Stop TB Partnership’s report highlights that in some countries, TB treatment has been interrupted, and patients have been turned away due to lack of resources. This is particularly concerning as interrupted treatment can lead to the development of drug-resistant TB, which is more difficult and expensive to treat, and can be fatal.
The consequences of reduced funding for TB programs are not limited to the immediate impact on patients and their families. TB also has a significant economic impact, with an estimated global cost of $1 trillion per year in lost productivity and treatment costs. This can have a devastating effect on low and middle-income countries, where TB is most prevalent, and where the loss of productivity can have a long-term impact on economic growth and development.
NGOs and other organizations working to stop TB are calling on governments and donors to recognize the importance of sustained funding for TB programs. They emphasize that TB is a global health issue that requires a global response, and that no country can tackle it alone. The fight against TB requires a coordinated effort, with governments, donors, and NGOs working together to ensure that TB programs are adequately funded and implemented effectively.
In addition to sustained funding, organizations working to stop TB are also calling for innovative approaches to TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This includes investing in research and development for new tools, such as vaccines and diagnostic tests, as well as improving access to existing treatments and ensuring they are affordable for all.
It is crucial for governments and donors to understand that investing in TB programs is not only a moral obligation but also a wise economic decision. Every dollar invested in TB programs can yield a return of $43 in economic benefits. This includes not only the direct impact of preventing and treating TB but also the wider economic benefits of a healthy population.
The fight against TB is far from over, and it requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders. Governments and donors must commit to providing the necessary funding to ensure that TB programs can continue to operate effectively and reach those in need. NGOs and other organizations must also continue to innovate and work together to develop new tools and approaches to tackle TB.
As we observe World TB Day on March 24th, let us remember that the fight against TB is not a one-day event but a continuous effort that requires the support and commitment of all. We must ensure that TB remains a priority on the global health agenda and that funding for TB programs is sustained. Together, we can end the devastating impact of TB and create a healthier and more prosperous world for all.
