World TB Day: A Global Call to Action Against Tuberculosis and Multidrug-Resistant Strains

Despite decades of progress, tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, claiming millions of lives worldwide. On March 24, World TB Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate this silent killer. The 2025 theme, “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver,” calls on global leaders and communities to intensify efforts, tackle drug resistance, and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against TB.

What is Tuberculosis?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), TB is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body, including the kidneys, brain, and spine. TB is transmitted through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria. Inhaling these germs can lead to infection.

There are two stages of TB: latent and active. In latent TB, the bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms, and the person is not contagious. However, in active TB, the bacteria multiply, leading to symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If left untreated, TB can be fatal.

The disease is treatable with a long course of antibiotics. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the treatment can last up to 180 days of medication. However, drug-resistant forms of TB, such as multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), are more difficult and expensive to treat, according to the WHO.  TB remains a major global health threat, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

What do Tuberculosis Cases Look Like in Belize?

Cases at a global level are astronomical, with the WHO reporting that TB claimed 1.25 million lives in 2023, with 10.8 million people falling ill from the disease. However, since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives.

In Belize, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) released its annual TB report for 2023 on World TB Day, revealing that the country recorded 71 new TB cases, with 10 relapses and 9 deaths due to the disease. The distribution of cases showed that Belize City accounted for the highest number, with 25 male cases and 6 female cases. The least affected district was Orange Walk, with just 3 female and 4 male cases. The ministry also reported that men are disproportionately affected, making up three out of every four cases.

The Epidemiology Unit, which compiles health data and oversees disease surveillance, is focusing efforts on improving early detection, effective treatment, and public awareness to reduce the incidence of TB. The ministry continues to train healthcare workers across the country to combat the disease more effectively.

As part of World TB Day activities, information booths were set up at various health centres, including Belize City’s Cleopatra White Polyclinic, Punta Gorda Community Hospital, and the Western and San Ignacio Community Hospitals, to raise awareness and encourage early screening.

The Consequences of Declining Foreign Funding

The declining international funding for TB efforts is a growing concern, as it threatens to hinder progress toward achieving global targets to end TB by 2030. This funding reduction follows several executive orders signed by the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump, which cut back on health programme support for low-income countries.

Since its effect, health authorities have warned that the cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Trump administration could lead to a global surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths. WHO also raised alarms, stating that these funding reductions put millions of lives at risk, as many countries rely on foreign aid for TB prevention, testing, and treatment.

Belize is one of the many countries that rely on foreign aid, which is reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s partnership with the Global Fund supporting its HIV and Health Strategy 2022–2025, which contributed to the Strategic Plan 2022–2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP helps ensure the effective management and implementation of Global Fund grants, acting as interim Principal Recipient (PR) when needed.

However, the tuberculosis programme in Belize remains active, with the team continuing its efforts to educate the Belizeans, conduct successful early detections and surveillance, and ensure treatment for those who need it.

“Eliminating TB requires a comprehensive approach,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness stated in its 2023 Tuberculosis report. The bottom line is understanding what TB is, the facts, how to prevent its spread and how to treat it properly. These are key points that make a difference in ending this global health challenge.