The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday issued a strong warning on the consequences of the cessation of U.S. global health funding, saying it is threatening millions of lives and urging efforts to be made for more sustainable solutions.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said at an online press briefing that if the U.S. withdraws direct funding for countries, it has a responsibility to ensure an orderly and humane way that allows those countries to find alternative sources of funding.
"If the U.S. decides not to restore direct funding to countries, we ask it to engage in dialogue with affected countries so plans can be made to transition from reliance on U.S. funding to more sustainable solutions, without disruptions that cost lives," Tedros said.
The WHO chief said U.S. cuts are threatening to reverse years of progress in the fight against diseases like malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, and measles.
It could result in more than 10 million new HIV infections and three million HIV-related deaths, Tedros said.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan 20 withdrawing the United States from the WHO, and suspending any funding or support to the organization.
US funding cuts threaten millions of lives: WHO
