Dangerous pathogens remain uncontained in laboratories across Africa due to a significant reduction in U.S. foreign aid, primarily attributed to the Trump administration's policies. Inspections for diseases such as mpox and Ebola at airports and border checkpoints have been suspended, while millions of uncontrolled animals continue to be transported internationally. Health experts assert that these changes leave both the global community and American residents more vulnerable to disease outbreaks.
Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa, emphasized the interconnectedness of global health, stating, “It’s actually in the interest of American people to keep diseases down.” He highlighted that illnesses often enter the U.S. through international travel, underscoring the importance of continued support and vigilance in global health efforts.
Interviews with over 30 officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), health organizations, and infectious disease experts reflect a stark increase in global health risks due to diminished funding. The consensus indicates that the absence of proactive measures and checkpoints exacerbates the likelihood of outbreaks mirroring instances seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in one region and swiftly affected many countries, including the U.S.
As the nation faces these rising threats, experts and health organizations urge for an immediate reevaluation of foreign aid policies to bolster disease prevention and surveillance mechanisms, critical to protecting public health at home and abroad.
