Trump's USAID Freeze Cripples Global TB Fight

The Trump administration's abrupt freeze on foreign aid, targeting the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its eventual dismantling, has sent shockwaves through the global tuberculosis (TB) community. USAID, a primary funder of global TB control, accounting for roughly one-third of international funding, has had its programs abruptly halted. This has resulted in the closure of vital TB diagnosis and treatment services in numerous countries, jeopardizing millions of lives. The freeze not only impacts treatment and prevention but also severely hinders TB research, potentially accelerating the spread of drug-resistant strains. While lawsuits and opposition are underway, the immediate danger to TB patients remains dire, highlighting the crucial role of international cooperation in global public health.