(CLO) World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the US suspension of foreign aid is having serious consequences for global health.
The move also disrupts programs to combat polio, HIV and other threats, he said, calling on Washington to consider resuming funding until a long-term solution is found.
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Photo: X/DrTedros
Speaking at an online press conference from Geneva on February 12, Mr. Tedros stressed that US policies are directly affecting efforts to deal with HIV, polio, bird flu and many other infectious diseases.
In particular, budget cuts to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have brought HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services in 50 countries to an immediate halt.
Although some exemptions have been granted, prophylaxis programs for high-risk groups have not been restored. Many clinics have been closed, health workers have been laid off, and the WHO has sought to support countries with shortages of antiviral drugs.
The US withdrawal also affects polio eradication and response programs. In Myanmar, about 60,000 people no longer have access to life-saving health services. Tedros stressed that the US should continue to provide aid at least until an alternative solution is found.
The aid freeze was issued last month, shortly after President Donald Trump took office, to review ongoing aid programs.
In addition to freezing aid, the Trump administration also announced the withdrawal of the US from the WHO on its first day in office, greatly affecting international cooperation, especially in responding to epidemics and pandemics. This makes it difficult for the WHO to access important data, including information on the spread of avian influenza in the US as well as human cases.
Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's acting director of pandemics and epidemics, said the organization had not received any reports of influenza from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since January 24.
Hoai Phuong (according to Reuters, UN News)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-keu-goi-my-noi-lai-vien-tro-do-tac-dong-nghiem-trong-den-suc-khoe-toan-cau-post334286.html
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