WHO Chief Warns of Global Health Risks Due to US Funding Cuts
In a media briefing on Tuesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the severe impact of recent funding suspensions on global health initiatives. He pointed to disruptions in HIV treatment, setbacks in polio eradication efforts, and a lack of resources for mpox outbreak responses in Africa.
“The suspension of funding to PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) has led to an immediate halt in HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services across 50 countries,” Tedros stated.
While life-saving services have received temporary waivers, key prevention programs for at-risk groups remain excluded. Many health clinics have shut down, and staff have been placed on leave.
Tedros urged the US Government to reconsider its funding decisions, at least until alternative solutions ensure continued access to vital health services.
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Ebola Outbreak in Uganda
In Uganda, Tedros provided updates on a recently confirmed Ebola outbreak, which has resulted in nine cases, including one death.
WHO has deployed emergency teams to strengthen surveillance, treatment, and infection control measures. A vaccine trial began just four days after the outbreak was declared, while approval for a therapeutics trial is still pending.
To support the response, WHO has allocated an additional $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies, supplementing the $1 million initially provided.
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Escalating Conflict in DR Congo
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to strain health services. Escalating violence in the east has resulted in over 900 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries.
Tedros noted that only one-third of people needing healthcare in North and South Kivu are able to receive treatment. The situation is further complicated by infectious disease outbreaks, including mpox and cholera.
Essential supplies—such as medicines and fuel—are running critically low, making WHO’s response increasingly difficult.
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Progress in Childhood Cancer Treatment
On a more positive note, WHO announced progress in expanding access to childhood cancer medicines in low- and middle-income countries.
“We have begun distributing childhood cancer medicines at no cost in Mongolia and Uzbekistan,” Tedros stated, adding that shipments to four more countries are planned.
This initiative is part of the Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer, launched in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Over the next five to seven years, the program aims to reach 120,000 children in 50 countries, helping to reduce disparities in childhood cancer survival rates between high-income and low-income nations.
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