Cuts to USAID Spark Concerns Over Mpox Crisis in Africa

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As the Trump administration dismantles the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), global health experts warn of a heightened risk of a widespread mpox outbreak. According to Stephen Morse, a Columbia University epidemiology professor, “It’s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we’re still able to.” The World Health Organization declared mpox, previously known as monkeypox, a public health emergency of international concern in August 2022, as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding regions.

Despite USAID contributing $55 million for emergency assistance, aid workers report that much of this funding is now frozen under new directives aimed at reducing humanitarian aid. A USAID employee remarked, “Everybody’s lost right now,” as the agency's ability to respond effectively has been severely compromised.

Experts caution that cutting off resources not only jeopardizes containment efforts in Africa but increases the likelihood of mpox spreading globally, including to the U.S. Amid ongoing court battles and abrupt evacuations of personnel from the DRC, the future of USAID’s involvement in global health remains uncertain.

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