Additional Context: This information was collected as part of The Aid Report’s original reporting, “Uganda’s TB gains face new pressure without US-funded outreach programs.” This feature story examines how U.S. aid cuts are weakening the outreach systems that helped the country make major gains against tuberculosis, even as new AI-powered screening technologies expand access to diagnosis.

Uganda remains one of the world’s 30 highest TB burden countries, diagnosing roughly 86,000 cases annually. Health officials estimate the true number of cases is closer to 100,000, leaving thousands of infections undetected each year. According to the Ugandan AIDS Support Organisation, or TASO, the organization has historically relied on external funding for about 90% of its operations. The cough desks — stationed at the entrances of 11 busy health facilities — are designed to identify TB cases early and quickly connect patients to testing and treatment. In a country where thousands of TB cases still go undetected each year, they have become a critical frontline defense. The organization has been forced to reduce its outreach work due to U.S. funding cuts.

Source: Devex