Health workers in developing countries know that isolating tuberculosis patients is an outdated and potentially harmful practice, but lack the resources to move away from it.
Asta Djouma, a tuberculosis patient in isolation at the Djarengol Kodek Health Center in Maroua, northern Cameroon, who hasnβt seen her three children since she was admitted in October. βWeβre just here,β she said.
Parasites and infections that cause blindness and other disabilities were nearly eliminated in some countries, but drug distribution to prevent and treat them was derailed in many places in 2025 after the U.S. cut aid.