The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the suspension of critical overseas aid from the United States, particularly through USAID, is severely disrupting health services in 50 countries, as President Trump's administration moves towards significant cuts in global assistance programs.
Fifty Nations Hit Hard by USAID Funding Freeze, Warns WHO
Fifty Nations Hit Hard by USAID Funding Freeze, Warns WHO
WHO's Director-General raises alarm over the impacts of US aid cuts on global health efforts.
The recent freeze on tens of billions of dollars of overseas aid from the United States, particularly affecting programs for HIV, polio, mpox, and bird flu, has prompted urgent warnings from the World Health Organization. WHO Chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted at a Geneva virtual press conference that the cuts are having dire consequences for global health initiatives.
Dr. Tedros specifically pointed to the suspension of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), indicating that essential HIV treatment and prevention services have been brought to a halt in 50 affected countries. “Clinics are shuttered and health workers have been put on leave,” he explained, showing concern over how the US government's actions are impacting the overall global health scenario.
Experts in global health cautioned that the aid freeze could lead to rising disease outbreaks and significant delays in vaccine development. Trump has criticized USAID as “incompetent and corrupt,” announcing substantial cuts to its workforce and halting numerous aid programs, which previously received around $40 billion annually from the American government.
With much of this funding directed towards humanitarian efforts in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and recently Ukraine, the implications of the aid freeze are vast. In a surprising endorsement of Trump’s claims, tech magnate Elon Musk labeled the aid agency as a “criminal organization,” although no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate such accusations.
The WHOs commitment to addressing the health crisis partly stems from recognizing the historical support from the US, which under the Biden administration contributed significantly to the organization’s funding. Dr. Tedros articulated the possible regression in international collaboration on health threats due to the US’s decreased support.
In light of the current gap in resources, WHO has initiated emergency measures akin to those employed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address shortages in antiretroviral medication for HIV patients. While efforts are underway for countries to share vital medical supplies, Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI programmes at the WHO, stated a sustainable, long-term strategy is necessary to navigate these challenges effectively.
