WHO Alerts: USAID Suspension Severely Impacts Global Health Efforts

The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced alarm over the repercussions of the recent suspension of U.S. foreign aid, warning that vital health programs in 50 countries are now experiencing major disruptions.

Critical Health Programs Face Setbacks

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized that the halt in U.S. funding is significantly undermining global health initiatives, particularly those addressing HIV, polio, and other infectious diseases. Speaking during a virtual press briefing from Geneva, Tedros urged the U.S. government to reconsider its stance and resume funding while alternative solutions are sought.

“The U.S. government’s actions are having serious consequences on global health, and we are deeply concerned,” Tedros stated.

Impact on HIV, Polio, and Other Health Services

The suspension, which was implemented by the U.S. government, has already led to widespread setbacks for global health programs. Efforts to combat HIV, polio, mpox, and avian flu have been particularly affected. The disruption of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has resulted in immediate halts to HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services in many regions.

“Clinics are closing, and healthcare workers are being placed on leave,” Tedros noted, adding that emergency measures have not been enough to fully mitigate the damage.

Health experts caution that without urgent intervention, the aid freeze could lead to a resurgence of infectious diseases and slow down vaccine development.

Global Leaders Urge Action

The funding suspension has also hindered efforts to eradicate polio and manage outbreaks such as mpox. In Myanmar alone, nearly 60,000 people have lost access to crucial healthcare services, according to WHO reports.

“We urge the U.S. to maintain its funding until alternative solutions can be implemented,” Tedros reiterated.

Additionally, President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from WHO has further strained global health collaborations, complicating efforts to track and contain diseases.

Reduced Global Cooperation in Health Monitoring

WHO reports that access to data on avian influenza cases in the U.S. has been restricted following the aid cuts. Although U.S. authorities continue to report cases under international health regulations, collaboration levels have decreased.

President Trump defended the aid suspension, labeling USAID as “incompetent and corrupt,” while also announcing major workforce reductions and an immediate halt to most foreign aid programs. USAID had previously allocated approximately $40 billion annually to health and humanitarian programs, primarily benefiting Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Ukraine.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. was the largest contributor to WHO, providing nearly 20% of its budget in 2023. Tedros cautioned that the funding freeze is hampering efforts to combat infectious diseases and disrupting the monitoring of global health threats.

WHO Adopts Emergency Measures

To counteract the crisis, WHO is implementing emergency strategies similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts focus on securing life-saving antiretroviral medications for HIV treatment.

Meg Doherty, director of WHO’s global HIV, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) programs, stressed the urgency of finding a lasting solution.

“We are facilitating medication-sharing between countries, but this is only a temporary fix,” she warned.

Health organizations worldwide continue to advocate for swift action to prevent further disruptions to essential health services.