The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that cuts in international health cooperation programs by the United States, have caused serious crises in health systems across more than 70 countries.

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WHO urges US to resume funding for global health

U.S. Health Aid Cuts Deal:a Devastating Blow to Global Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a  warning about the impact of cuts in international health cooperation, primarily stemming from the United States, which have caused significant disruptions in the health systems of around 75 countries. In a recent press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus detailed how these measures are undermining essential medical services, health sector employment, and access to vital medicines.

Widespread Impact on Health Systems

According to the WHO, three-quarters of the surveyed countries report severe disruptions in their health services, including closures of health centers and increased out-of-pocket costs for families seeking medical care. This situation marks a setback comparable to the worst moments of the COVID-19 pandemic, with direct consequences for public health and millions of lives.

Job Losses and Medicine Shortages

The cuts have led to job losses in the health and care sectors, as well as interruptions in information systems and supply chains for essential medicines and health products. In over a third of affected countries, shortages of medical supplies threaten the continuity of treatments for diseases like tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.

National Responses to the Crisis

In response to this emergency, countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are increasing their health budgets and strengthening fundraising campaigns and international partnerships. The WHO is working with these nations to accelerate the transition toward self-sustaining health systems based on national resources, amid drastically reduced external aid.

Proposed Measures to Mitigate the Impact

Director-General Tedros has suggested measures such as implementing taxes on harmful products—tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks—and developing social security systems to fund public health. However, he acknowledged that these solutions are not one-size-fits-all, and countries with informal economies or weak tax systems will require external financial support to sustain their health systems.

U.S. Withdrawal and Its Consequences

The United States has not only frozen most of its international health cooperation programs, but also announced its withdrawal from the WHO, leaving a critical funding gap in global health. This decision has been identified as a key factor in the current crisis, especially affecting developing countries that rely on this aid to fight endemic and emerging diseases.

An Urgent Call for International Solidarity

The WHO calls on the international community to step up and ensure sufficient resources to prevent a global health collapse. Public health is a common good that demands cooperation and commitment in a world still marked by deep inequalities and growing vulnerabilities.

The cuts in international health aid, led by the United States, are triggering a global health crisis that threatens millions of lives in vulnerable countries. The WHO insists on the need to strengthen international cooperation and promote self-sustaining health systems to protect the fundamental right to health—especially in times when solidarity and social justice are more necessary than ever.

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