On February 12, WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus highlighted the significant impact of the U.S. foreign aid freeze, stressing its detrimental effects on efforts to combat HIV, polio, and other health threats worldwide.
On Wednesday, February 12, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the U.S. pause on foreign aid is severely impacting global health programs, including those addressing polio, HIV, and other health threats. Tedros urged the U.S. government to reconsider its decision until long-term solutions are found.
Speaking in a virtual press conference from Geneva, Tedros expressed concern about actions being taken by the U.S., noting that the suspension of foreign aid was already disrupting crucial health programs. In particular, the halt of funding for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has led to an immediate cessation of HIV treatment, testing, and prevention in 50 countries.
While a waiver allowed some services to resume, prevention efforts for at-risk groups were excluded. Tedros also pointed out the negative impact on polio eradication efforts and the response to mpox, especially in Myanmar, where nearly 60,000 people were left without access to life-saving services.
In addition to the aid freeze, President Trump’s move to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO is further hindering collaboration, particularly in the fight against outbreaks and influenza. WHO officials have noted limited access to information on the spread of avian influenza in the U.S. and human cases, with reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ceasing around January 24.
Tedros also mentioned the ongoing funding gap faced by the WHO, despite recent reforms to its funding model, and hinted at exploring other ideas to address the shortfall.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei declared that he would follow the United States in withdrawing from the World Health Organization due to “profound differences in health management, especially due to the pandemic, which led us to the longest confinement in the history of humanity.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of rejoining the World Health Organization. This comes after signing an executive order to withdraw the country.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an end to attacks on healthcare in Sudan after a drone strike on a North Darfur hospital killed over 70 people, including women and children.
President Donald Trump hinted at the possibility of the U.S. rejoining the World Health Organization, just days after announcing the country’s withdrawal due to concerns over the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Trump announces the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, citing mismanagement of global health crises and disproportionate financial contributions.
Jordan’s King Abdullah spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday about escalating tensions in Gaza and the West Bank, the Jordanian royal court said. The call followed the king’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in the future, likely in Saudi Arabia, Trump said on Wednesday following a phone conversation with the Russian leader. MAIN:
Sudan has reached an agreement with Russia to establish a naval base, Foreign Minister Ali Yusef Sharif announced in Moscow. The deal follows years of discussions and comes as Russia strengthens ties in the region.
The Trump administration will announce reciprocal tariffs on all countries that impose duties on U.S. imports by Thursday. The move, set to take effect before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, has raised fears of a global trade war and inflation spikes.
South Africa’s G20 presidency aimed to highlight global inequality, debt, and climate change, but U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed its agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the goals “very bad” and will skip next week’s G20 meetings in Johannesburg.
The Sarandí stream in Buenos Aires, Argentina, turned bright red on Thursday for unknown reasons, raising concerns among authorities and residents. The waterway, which flows into the Río de la Plata, is under investigation to determine the cause.
Uzbekistan’s flag carrier has announced airline’s plan to purchase a dozen of aircrafts from Boeing and Airbus, marking a significant milestone in upgrading and expanding its fleet.
Azerbaijan has halted activities of “Russian House” in Baku according to local media reports on Thursday, following accusations of espionage. This is being described as an escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Elon Musk has called for the shutdown of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and Voice of America (VOA), arguing that the U.S.-funded media outlets serve as government propaganda tools and waste taxpayer money.
Apple is reportedly working on a version of AirPods Pro with integrated cameras, set to launch as early as 2027, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the cameras won’t be featured in the upcoming AirPods Pro 3, the new tech aims to enhance AI-driven features and spatial audio integration.
Dubai is set to revolutionize wellness with Therme Dubai, a 500,000-square-foot retreat in Zabeel Park, opening in 2028. Combining leisure, healthcare, and entertainment, this futuristic resort will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.
Uganda has launched a trial vaccination program for the Sudan strain of Ebola as confirmed cases rise to three. With no approved vaccine for this strain, the trial aims to protect communities and strengthen outbreak response, according to the WHO.
The U.S. State Department clarified on Saturday that the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—the world’s largest HIV initiative—is exempt from the 90-day pause on foreign aid ordered by President Donald Trump.
Coca-Cola recalls drinks in Europe over elevated chlorate levels, citing potential health risks. Authorities are investigating, and the company assures consumer safety.
The CIA now concludes COVID-19 is "more likely" to have originated from a Wuhan lab, though with "low confidence." This aligns with the FBI and DOE, sparking renewed debate as China rejects the claim. The origins remain contested, influencing global health and diplomacy.
Jordan’s King Abdullah spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday about escalating tensions in Gaza and the West Bank, the Jordanian royal court said. The call followed the king’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to meet in the future, likely in Saudi Arabia, Trump said on Wednesday following a phone conversation with the Russian leader. MAIN:
Sudan has reached an agreement with Russia to establish a naval base, Foreign Minister Ali Yusef Sharif announced in Moscow. The deal follows years of discussions and comes as Russia strengthens ties in the region.
The Trump administration will announce reciprocal tariffs on all countries that impose duties on U.S. imports by Thursday. The move, set to take effect before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, has raised fears of a global trade war and inflation spikes.
South Africa’s G20 presidency aimed to highlight global inequality, debt, and climate change, but U.S. President Donald Trump has dismissed its agenda. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the goals “very bad” and will skip next week’s G20 meetings in Johannesburg.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment