The WHO warns that upcoming US funding cuts may delay global polio eradication efforts, particularly affecting initiatives in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US is expected to cut $133 million in support, impacting collaboration with agencies like UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. Funding shortages could lead to increased cases of paralysis, with $2.4 billion still needed for eradication by 2029. Vaccination campaigns will continue despite financial challenges.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that the goal to eradicate polio globally could face delays due to significant funding cuts proposed by the United States. It’s estimated that the US funding cuts could amount to hundreds of millions over the years, impacting collaboration with crucial partners like UNICEF and the Gates Foundation.
Recently, the US State Department terminated a grant that provided polio funding to UNICEF, aiming to align aid efforts with the Trump administration’s ‘America First’ policy by reducing USAID grants by 90%. The WHO now faces a shortfall of $133 million in expected funding this year, particularly affecting polio efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the disease remains prevalent.
Hamid Jafari, WHO’s director for polio eradication in the Eastern Mediterranean, has stated that prolonged funding shortages could significantly delay progress toward eradication, contributing to more cases of paralysis among children. The longer it takes to eliminate polio, the higher the costs involved.
Efforts are being made by WHO and its partners to mitigate the funding gap, particularly focusing on sustaining personnel and surveillance. Vaccination campaigns in both Afghanistan and Pakistan will remain prioritized despite the financial constraints.
A spokesperson for the Gates Foundation indicated that while no organization could completely compensate for the US’s absence, recent funding from Saudi Arabia—amounting to $500 million—will help support the eradication initiatives. However, the global partnership still anticipates a $2.4 billion funding shortfall by 2029 as the complexities of eradicating the disease continue to grow.
The WHO has raised alarms regarding potential delays in global polio eradication efforts due to significant funding cuts from the US. The shortfalls particularly affect crucial operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan, but steps are being taken to sustain vaccination campaigns. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges and funding necessities in the fight against polio, with major implications for child health. Continued international support is vital for successful eradication efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
