WHO warns U.S. foreign aid pause is harming global health efforts

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.

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