Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) says USAID cuts are affecting health programmes in 50 countries.
Efforts to combat HIV, polio, mpox, and bird flu have been disrupted.
US President Donald Trump is shutting down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
He argues that USAID spending is “totally unexplainable” and must be stopped.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged Trump to reconsider until alternatives are found.
HIV Crisis
HIV treatment and prevention services have been interrupted.
Dr. Tedros said 50 countries are struggling with shortages in essential medical supplies.
The US government has suspended PEPFAR, a key US-funded HIV programme.
Authorities have closed clinics and placed health workers on leave.
The disruption is impacting millions who depend on life-saving care.
Global Health Risks
Experts warn of increased disease spread due to funding cuts.
Vaccine development and treatment research face severe delays.
The USAID suspension affects regions in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Much of the funding previously supported humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
The WHO is using emergency measures to address critical medication shortages.
Trump’s Justification
Trump claims USAID is “corrupt and incompetent.”
He has ordered mass layoffs within the agency’s 10,000-strong workforce.
The US government has immediately suspended nearly all USAID programmes.
USAID previously spent $40 billion yearly on global humanitarian aid.
This amount represents about 0.6% of total US government spending.
Musk’s Involvement
Tech billionaire Elon Musk supports Trump’s decision.
Musk claims USAID is a “criminal organization.”
Neither Trump nor Musk have provided concrete evidence for their claims.
Their efforts are part of a broader plan to shrink the US government.
Global health experts strongly oppose these drastic cuts.
WHO-US Relations
Trump is also withdrawing the US from the WHO.
Under Biden, the US was the WHO’s largest contributor.
In 2023, it funded nearly one-fifth of the agency’s budget.
Dr. Tedros warns that this will harm global health cooperation.
He says the US has reduced bird flu reporting in humans.
Emergency Actions
The WHO is coordinating efforts to prevent a full-blown health crisis.
It has implemented Covid-era emergency strategies.
Meg Doherty, WHO’s global HIV programme director, is managing medicine redistribution.
Countries are sharing antiretroviral medications to address shortages.
Uncertain Future
Short-term solutions will not sustain affected health programmes.
Dr. Tedros is pushing for renewed international collaboration.
The freeze could worsen public health in vulnerable regions.
Many fear increased disease outbreaks without USAID support.
The global response to these cuts remains uncertain.
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