The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that U.S. aid freezes under President Donald Trump have significantly impacted global health programs targeting HIV, polio, mpox, and bird flu. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed these concerns during a virtual press conference in Geneva.
The disruption stems from Trump’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which he describes as “incompetent and corrupt.” The agency typically manages approximately $40 billion annuallyโ0.6% of total U.S. government spendingโprimarily supporting humanitarian efforts in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Ukraine.
The suspension has particularly affected PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief), resulting in halted HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services across 50 countries. “Clinics are shuttered and health workers have been put on leave,” Dr. Tedros reported, despite attempts to maintain critical life-saving services.
Trump’s administration has also initiated steps to withdraw from the WHO, where the U.S. previously contributed nearly one-fifth of the agency’s budget under President Biden in 2023. The WHO notes reduced U.S. reporting of bird flu cases in humans and diminished international collaboration on global health threats.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, involved in White House efforts to reduce federal government size, has labeled USAID “a criminal organisation.” However, neither Trump nor Musk has provided substantial evidence supporting these claims.
The WHO has implemented emergency measures similar to those used during Covid-19 to address shortages, particularly in antiretroviral medication for HIV treatment. Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s director of global HIV, hepatitis, and STI programs, indicates that while countries are sharing vital medical supplies, this represents only a temporary solution.
Dr. Tedros has urged the Trump administration to consider maintaining aid funding until alternative solutions can be established. Global health experts warn that these cuts could lead to disease spread and delays in vaccine development and new treatments.
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