The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarm over the suspension of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), warning that the move is severely disrupting global health programs in 50 countries. The suspension, which took effect last month, has impacted initiatives ranging from HIV/AIDS prevention to maternal and child health services, leaving millions of vulnerable people at risk.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that the funding freeze, attributed to budgetary constraints and a shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, has forced several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to scale back or halt operations in affected regions. According to Naija247news, the suspension has particularly hit hard in sub-Saharan Africa, where USAID-funded programs have been a lifeline for communities battling infectious diseases and malnutrition.
“The disruption of these programs is a major setback for global health,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, during a press briefing on Tuesday. “We are seeing a ripple effect that threatens to undo years of progress in fighting diseases and improving healthcare systems in low-income countries.”
Naija247news understands that the suspension has affected critical initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides antiretroviral therapy to millions of HIV patients, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. According to Naija247news, health workers in several countries have reported shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies, while some clinics have been forced to close their doors.
The WHO has called for urgent action to address the funding gap, urging other donor nations and private sector actors to step in and prevent a full-blown health crisis. Naija247news reports that the organization is also working with affected countries to explore alternative funding mechanisms and minimize the impact on vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the global health community have expressed concern over the long-term consequences of the suspension. Dr. Mercy Okezie, a public health expert, described the situation as “devastating.” “These programs are not just about saving lives; they are about building resilient health systems that can withstand future challenges. The suspension undermines these efforts and puts countless lives at risk,” she said.
According to Naija247news, the U.S. Congress is currently reviewing the suspension, with some lawmakers pushing for the immediate restoration of funding. However, it remains unclear when or if the funding will be reinstated.
As the global health community grapples with the fallout from the USAID suspension, the WHO has warned that the window to avert a crisis is rapidly closing.
