We are deeply concerned following Donald Trump’s announcement to halt USAID assistance globally after his assumption of office as President of the United States for the second term.
It is almost set to disrupt various sectors, including education and healthcare, in developing countries, including Bangladesh.
Many employees engaged in these sectors have already lost their jobs, while many others are at risk of unemployment in the near future.
According to recent media reports, the cessation of USAID funding in Bangladesh has hindered tuberculosis detection efforts, leaving 17 per cent of tuberculosis patients undiagnosed.
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), Bangladesh is among the seven countries with a high prevalence of both general and drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Despite the long-running National Tuberculosis Control programme, the lack of improvement in the situation remains a matter of concern.
Due to the lack of medical treatment, these undiagnosed patients are contributing to the further spread of the disease.
It is worth mentioning that for nearly 25 years, several NGOs, including BRAC, have been assisting in tuberculosis control efforts.
The international centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has also provided support to government programmes.
Since the World Health Organisation declared tuberculosis a global public health emergency in 1993, the Government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with private organisations, has been actively working to control the disease.
Tuberculosis screening, medication and treatment are provided entirely free of charge to all citizens. Patients are kept under close monitoring, as any negligence in their treatment can significantly reduce their chances of recovery.
In the past, tuberculosis was surrounded by various superstitions. If a family member was diagnosed with the disease, the information was often kept secret.
There was a common belief that those who contracted tuberculosis had no chance of survival.
However, such misconceptions have significantly diminished over time and tuberculosis is no longer considered an incurable disease. With proper medical treatment, patients can fully recover.
Discontinuation of USAID funding will have a direct impact on the tuberculosis control programme.
Thus, the Ministry of Health must ensure the optimal utilisation of government infrastructure and human resources while also increasing budget allocations for tuberculosis management.
The health authorities also must employ and strengthen all necessary measures to contain this critical disease. There appears to be no room for delays or negligence in this regard.
