WHO chief warns US aid cuts could cost millions of lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) chief on Monday urged the United States to reconsider sharp cuts to global health aid, warning that the decision could cost millions of lives.

"We ask the US to reconsider its support for global health," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters. He cautioned that disruptions to global HIV programs alone could undo two decades of progress.

HIV programs at risk

Tedros warned that the cuts could lead to more than 10 million additional HIV cases and three million related deaths worldwide.

The US has been a major donor to international health initiatives, funding programs that provide antiretroviral treatments, testing, and prevention efforts in vulnerable regions.

Reversing 20 Years of Progress

The potential fallout from the funding reductions could reverse 20 years of hard-fought gains in controlling HIV and other infectious diseases, Tedros said.

The call for reconsideration comes as global health organizations brace for budget shortfalls that could impact critical disease prevention programs.