Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide. In 2023, over 1.25 million people died due to tuberculosis. According to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report, approximately 8.2 million people were diagnosed with TB last year. This is the highest number recorded since global monitoring of the disease began in 1995.
The majority of tuberculosis cases are reported in low-income countries. Men, women, and children in these regions are at high risk, facing significant barriers to accessing essential health services. Globally, funding for tuberculosis prevention and treatment remains far below the necessary level to address the challenges. According to the WHO, in 2023, only a quarter of the funding target of $22 billion was met.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria remains the largest international health funding source. However, over the years, there has been a disproportionate allocation of funds. Despite tuberculosis causing more deaths annually than AIDS and malaria combined, it receives only 18% of the Global Fund's allocations, while AIDS receives half and malaria 32%.
Funding for the TB response has remained stagnant, despite TB’s significant death toll. This November, the Global Fund's Board of Directors, the leading global financer of the tuberculosis response, will convene to set the funding allocation methodology for the 2027-2030 period. This presents an urgent opportunity to address funding disparities and strengthen the global response to TB.
In Moldova, the TB situation is particularly severe, with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe. Despite progress in treatment and diagnosis, limited access to quality healthcare services and insufficient financial resources continue to hinder efforts to control TB. It is crucial for the Global Fund to increase its funding to support tuberculosis prevention, detection, and treatment programs, ensuring an effective response to this public health issue. Mobilizing additional funds will help reduce the burden of TB and improve the health of the population in Moldova.
The PAS Center urges the Board of Directors and the Secretariat of the Global Fund to prioritize an equitable distribution of funds across AIDS, TB, and malaria, including a substantial increase in TB funding. A data-driven, needs-based approach that reflects the global epidemiological landscape is essential to meeting health goals and achieving TB elimination by 2030, as committed at the 2023 UN High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis.
The PAS Center is actively engaged in TB response efforts in Moldova and across the region, supporting critical interventions and advocating for equitable support for all stakeholders. We remain committed to contributing to a fair and effective TB response for all affected populations.