Mr. Modore, a 40-year-old farmer from western Kenya, is facing a tough battle against tuberculosis. Once a robust individual, his health has deteriorated significantly, leading to a drastic weight loss that has left him at a mere 110 pounds. His frail frame now requires him to hold up his loose trousers as he walks gingerly, wary of the pain that seems to lurk beneath his every step. His condition is emblematic of a much larger crisis sparked by recent cuts in international health funding.
Since January 20, when the Trump administration ordered a freeze on foreign aid, the global system for combating tuberculosis has faced severe setbacks. The United States, which previously contributed about half of the international donor funding for TB, has withdrawn support for numerous health programs. This withdrawal has particularly crippled efforts in countries across Africa and Asia, where the infrastructure for finding, diagnosing, and treating tuberculosis is collapsing.
In Kenya, the impact of these funding cuts is acutely felt. The U.S. had been instrumental in financing essential healthcare initiatives there, sustaining efforts to curb the spread of tuberculosis. Without this support, Mr. Modore and countless others find themselves in peril. The abrupt cessation of aid has led to a breakdown in services and resources necessary for combating the disease effectively.
Mr. Modore’s plight illustrates the broader implications of the funding cuts. His once-strong physique is now reduced to frail hunched shoulders, and every step he takes is a cautious one, reflecting the anticipation of pain. The collapse in healthcare systems has left him and many others without the support they desperately need, underscoring the tangible human cost of policy decisions made thousands of miles away.
