US public health officials have been directed to cease all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), effective immediately.
In a memo sent to senior officials, John Nkengasong, an official at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instructed that all staff members working with the WHO must immediately halt their engagements and “await further guidance.”
Experts have expressed surprise at the sudden decision, which they believe will hinder efforts to investigate and address outbreaks of the Marburg virus and mpox in Africa, along with other emerging global health threats. This move also comes as health authorities worldwide are closely monitoring bird flu outbreaks in U.S. livestock.
