US Global Health Security Programs Face Disruptions Amid Reorganization

Updated June ‍12, ⁤2025
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Washington D.C. — U.S. global health security (GHS) programs⁤ are experiencing important disruptions following executive actions ⁣that include⁢ a funding freeze, the dissolution of USAID, and a shift in strategic priorities. These changes raise concerns about the nation’s ability to effectively respond to emerging health threats and maintain global health security.

For decades, the U.S. has supported global health security and pandemic preparedness, forging⁤ partnerships with over ⁢50‍ countries by 2024.These efforts aim to bolster countries’ abilities to prevent outbreaks, detect threats early, and respond rapidly. Activities range from improving surveillance systems ⁤to training epidemiologists.

Though, recent⁢ actions have severely ⁤impacted these programs.⁣ A stop-work order initially froze⁣ USAID-based GHS programming, leading to staff layoffs and ⁣interruptions in critical‍ activities like⁢ sample transport and⁤ contact tracing.A limited waiver allowed ⁢some “life-saving services” to continue, but implementers still face⁢ challenges in resuming ‍programs and receiving payments. The dissolution of USAID has further strained‍ resources, with the number of staff supporting international outbreak⁢ response efforts plummeting.

The governance notified Congress of its intent to permanently dissolve USAID, with remaining operations absorbed by the State Department. The administration also withdrew the existing ⁢GHS strategy, ⁤raising questions about coordination across government agencies.

These⁣ actions are likely to hinder interaction and coordination, slowing responses to‍ emerging health threats and increasing the risk of disease spread, experts warn. An internal USAID memo indicated that losing GHS programs could result in over 28,000 new‍ cases of risky infectious diseases‍ annually.

Measles outbreaks in the U.S., initiated through importation from other countries, ‍can lead to significant ⁤costs; a recent study from Washington state found that a 71-case measles⁤ outbreak led to societal costs of $3.4 million, or almost $50,000 per case.

The administration’s FY 2026 budget request includes $493.2 million for GHS,a decrease of $500 million. congress will determine final appropriation⁢ levels.

What’s⁣ next

The administration is expected to release results of its foreign aid review, which could recommend further changes to GHS efforts. The proposed dissolution of USAID and integration of activities into the state Department’s Bureau of Global Health Security and ⁤Diplomacy also raise questions about future implementation⁤ and⁢ coordination.