WHO Warns of Looming Tuberculosis Program Collapse in 27 Countries
Funding shortages threaten global TB control as multidrug-resistant strains and localized outbreaks persist, including in Germany's Saxony region.
- The WHO reports that 27 countries face potential TB program collapse due to severe funding shortages, jeopardizing global efforts to control the disease.
- Global funding for TB control remains critically insufficient, with only 25% of the $22 billion needed in 2023 secured.
- In Germany, TB cases have slightly declined in early 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 816 cases reported so far this year.
- Localized outbreaks and multidrug-resistant TB strains remain a concern in Saxony, where resistant cases rose from 7% to 9% in recent years.
- TB, which causes 1.5 million deaths annually, is treatable for 85% of cases, but the lack of a vaccine and rising resistance complicate eradication efforts.