The WHO warns that disruptions in tuberculosis services could burn rising cases and drug-resistant strains around the world. Credits: Shotterstock, Stanislavsukhin
In the 2025 World Nododopathy, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an upcoming health crisis. Tuberculosis is making a dangerous comeback. Despite being sick, we know how to prevent and treat, but tuberculosis still claims more than a million lives each year. And now, cutting funds can make things worse.
Over the past 20 years, the global battle against tuberculosis has saved an estimated 79 million lives. However, with health budgets tightening and conflicts spreading across Africa, Eastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, WHO says the situation is heading in the wrong direction.
Why is the world at risk of losing decades of progress against tuberculosis?
Speaking on Sunday, Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that serious disruptions with TB services are occurring in a country where the disease is already strained. “We can’t give up now,” he said. “The country made a clear commitment at the UN General Assembly 18 months ago to strengthen its efforts to end tuberculosis. We must stick to that commitment.”
This year’s campaign slogan, “Yes! We can end tuberculosis: Commit, Investment, Delivery,” invites global leaders to step up and protect their progress.
As the funding crisis deepens, tuberculosis services will collapse
The WHO reports that 27 countries are seeing serious disruption in their TB programmes. Africa’s region is the most intense hits, followed by parts of Asia and the Pacific. From staff shortages to breaking diagnostic services and collapse of community programs, cracks are beginning to appear.
What’s most worrying is that nine countries report having a hard time securing important tuberculosis drugs. Without a consistent supply, treatment plans will collapse and promote the spread of drug-resistant strains.
The problem is not new. In 2023, the world had only set aside about a quarter of the $22 billion needed each year to properly tackle TB. Research is also underfunded, delaying much needed innovations, including vaccines.
Who and civil society demand urgent action
In a rare joint statement, the WHO and its civil society task force on tuberculosis are urging them to take action. They are calling for governments and donors to stabilize funds, protect critical TB services, improve surveillance systems and capture disruptions in services early.
“Without urgent intervention, we risk revoking 20 years of progress. TB is murdered and curable, but can also be repaid for both life-saving and economic growth,” said Dr. Teleza Casaeva, who heads the WHO’s global program on tuberculosis and lung health.
New approaches for long-term health promotion
To tackle this crisis head-on, we are promoting a more integrated approach, combining tuberculosis and pulmonary health services with primary health care. The new guidelines aim to address root causes such as poverty, malnutrition and pollution, while improving the way TB is diagnosed and treated at local health centers.
World TB Days are urging TB to maintain global health challenges, from policymakers to everyday citizens. Without a unified push, the risk of losing control over the world’s most deadly infections will increase by that day.
