US Public Health Officials Told to Stop Working with WHO, Effective Immediately
Global Health Crisis Looms as Trump Administration Halts US- WHO Collaborations
A surprise memo from a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official has instructed senior leaders at the agency to stop all collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO) effective immediately. This sudden stoppage is a major setback for global health efforts, particularly in the fight against Marburg virus and mpox outbreaks in Africa and other emerging threats worldwide.
The Unexpected Move
According to a memo sent by CDC official, John Nkengasong, on Sunday night, all CDC staff who work with WHO must immediately stop their collaborations and "await further guidance." The memo applies to all CDC staff engaging with WHO through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, or other means, both in person and virtually. Additionally, CDC staff are not permitted to visit WHO offices.
Consequences of the Stoppage
Experts warn that this sudden stoppage will significantly set back work on investigating and containing outbreaks, hindering global health efforts. The move also comes at a time when health authorities around the world are monitoring bird flu outbreaks among US livestock.
Experts Weigh In
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a University of Southern California public health expert who collaborates with WHO on work against sexually transmitted infections, expressed concern over the stoppage. "Stopping communications and meetings with WHO is a big problem," he said. "Talking to WHO is a two-way street. We benefit from each other’s expertise. The collaboration allows us to learn about new tests and treatments as well as about emerging outbreaks – information which can help us protect Americans abroad and at home."
Other Global Health Impacts
The CDC order is not the only global health effect of Trump’s executive orders. Last week, he froze spending on another critical program, PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which is credited with saving 25 million lives, including those of 5.5 million children, since its inception. PEPFAR provides HIV medication to more than 20 million people, and stopping its funding would "stop their HIV treatment. If that happens, people are going to die and HIV will resurge," according to International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn.
Conclusion
The sudden stoppage of US- WHO collaborations will have far-reaching consequences for global health efforts, particularly in the fight against emerging outbreaks and pandemics. As the world grapples with these challenges, it is essential to recognize the benefits of international cooperation and collaboration in promoting public health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the reason behind the sudden stoppage of US- WHO collaborations?
A: The reason is not explicitly stated in the memo, but it is believed to be related to President Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from WHO.
Q: What are the implications of this stoppage for global health efforts?
A: The stoppage will hinder the global response to emerging outbreaks and pandemics, including the fight against Marburg virus and mpox in Africa, and the monitoring of bird flu outbreaks among US livestock.
Q: What is the current status of the US- WHO relationship?
A: The US has not officially withdrawn from WHO, but the Trump administration has issued an executive order to begin the process, which will require Congressional approval and the payment of outstanding dues.
Q: What is the impact of the stoppage on PEPFAR?
A: The stoppage will halt funding for PEPFAR, which will have devastating consequences for the millions of people receiving HIV treatment and the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
