Global Health News Spotlight
- Diego Fernández-Shaw Morales
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
By Chloe Chmelar
February brought significant challenges to global health, with critical developments unfolding worldwide. This roundup highlights some of the most pressing issues of the month.
ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: TRUMP ADMINISTRATIONS FREEZE ON FOREIGN AID
USA WITHDRAWS FROM WHO
The United States has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over transparency and effectiveness. This decision means the WHO will lose a significant portion of its funding, which could disrupt global health programs, from vaccine distribution to pandemic preparedness. Critics argue that this move weakens international cooperation in tackling health crises, while supporters claim it will push for reform within the WHO. Either way, global health experts are now scrambling to figure out what comes next.
FUNDING HALT FOR USAID
The U.S. has announced a significant reduction in humanitarian aid through USAID, leading to the termination of nearly all UNFPA grants—48 so far—funded by USAID and the U.S. State Department. This decision will disproportionately impact women worldwide, as these grants supported essential maternal healthcare, protection from violence, rape treatment, and other lifesaving services in humanitarian crises. The affected programs operated in countries including Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Mali, Sudan, Syria and its neighboring countries, as well as Ukraine.
MYSTERIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAK IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Amidst ongoing conflict, health officials In the DRC are now investigating a mysterious disease outbreak that has already claimed multiple lives. Symptoms include high fever, severe fatigue, and organ failure, but so far, tests for known infectious diseases have come back negative.
The WHO and local health authorities are conducting urgent investigations to determine the cause and prevent further spread. Until then, communities are being advised to take extra precautions with hygiene and food safety. With past outbreaks of Ebola, Marburg, and other viral infections in the region, officials are not taking any chances.
WORLD HEALTH DAY 2025: HEALTHY BEGINNINGS AND HOPEFUL FUTURES
The WHO has announced that World Health Day 2025 will highlight the urgent need to improve survival rates for women and newborns. Maternal and infant health remains a critical issue. The campaign aims to bring attention to the importance of prenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and better access to medical facilities.
NORTHER GAZA’S HEALTH SYSTEM “IN RUINS”
Despite the ceasefire 4 weeks ago, humanitarian aid stil has not made its way into the country. Leaving, the healthcare system barely functioning, according to reports from Doctors Without Borders. Hospitals are running out of medical supplies, and many healthcare workers are unable to reach their workplaces due to ongoing violence. Essential treatments, including those for chronic illnesses and emergency care, are becoming nearly impossible to provide. International aid groups have called the situation “catastrophic” and are urging for immediate humanitarian intervention. The question remains: will the world step in before the situation gets even worse?
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US White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/withdrawing-the-united-states-from-the-worldhealth-organization/
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