Tuberculosis Rates Surge in Kenya As U.S. Aid Cuts Take a Toll

The withdrawal of U.S. financial support for tuberculosis programs has resulted in a dramatic decline in access to treatment and testing in Kenya, exacerbating a public health crisis that threatens to spread further.

As the sun sets over western Kenya, Dalvin Modore navigates his small farm with frail steps, tormented by the debilitating effects of tuberculosis (TB). Weighing a mere 110 pounds, the 40-year-old struggles with a relentless cough and fears for his life without adequate access to treatment. Unfortunately, he is among the many who have faced dire consequences since the Trump administration slashed funding for global health initiatives, including vital TB programs, in January.

Once a key player in the fight against TB, the United States made substantial contributions to global health, covering approximately half of the international funding for tuberculosis last year. With the decline in support, testing and treatment services have deteriorated dramatically in numerous countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. In Kenya, the healthcare framework that previously ensured early detection and management of TB cases has all but crumbled.

The impact of reduced funding is starkly evident: Mr. Modore and countless others are left waiting for lifesaving medication that is no longer accessible due to dwindling resources. As they continue their daily lives, the risk of spreading the disease grows in their families and communities. The urgency of the situation is alarming, as TB is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other infectious disease.

Government officials from the Trump administration have stated their intention to reassess foreign aid contracts, positing that other nations must shoulder a larger share of global health responsibilities. However, urgent voices from the ground highlight the immediate need for funding to prevent an escalation of what could become a regional epidemic. As TB cases rise, the clock is ticking for those like Mr. Modore, who desperately seek relief from this resurgent threat.