USAID Freeze Impacting 50 Countries, WHO Reports

The suspension of funding has led to significant disruptions in essential health services across multiple nations.

Fifty countries are feeling the repercussions of a funding freeze by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which has raised alarms at the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's chief, stated that various health programs aimed at combatting diseases such as HIV, polio, and mpox have been adversely affected by this decision.

US President Donald Trump asserted that USAID's expenditures are “totally unexplainable” and has initiated steps to consolidate or eliminate the agency. In a briefing in Geneva, Dr. Tedros expressed his concern, stating that “actions being taken by the US government are having a serious impact on global health.” The suspension of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) was particularly alarming, ceasing crucial services related to HIV treatment and prevention across the affected countries.

Health clinics are closing their doors, leaving health workers without jobs or support. Global health experts warn of potential disease outbreaks and setbacks in vaccine development due to the funding cuts. The crisis highlights the critical role that US aid plays in international health initiatives, as Trump continues to describe USAID as ineffective and riddled with “corruption.” Recently proposed budget cuts threaten not only the agency’s workforce but also the humanitarian aid budget that constitutes approximately $40 billion annually, primarily benefiting regions in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe.

Adding to the complexities, the Trump administration has also signaled intentions to withdraw from the WHO—an organization that the US previously supported with substantial funding under the Biden administration. Experts note that without adequate collaboration and reporting on health crises, countries are now at greater risk.

In response to the funding freeze, WHO has implemented emergency procedures reminiscent of those used during the Covid crisis, attempting to bridge the gaps created by the lack of US aid. Meg Doherty, director of global health programs at WHO, mentioned attempts to facilitate cross-border sharing of essential medications but emphasized that a more sustainable solution is necessary for the future.