WHO warns polio progress in Afghanistan, Pakistan at risk due to US funding cut

A senior official of the World Health Organization warned on Wednesday that the eradication of Polio -Au Afghanistan and Pakistan, the only countries where the paralytic virus continues to threaten, suspension of financing from the United States.

At an online press conference, Hann Balkhy, Regional Director for Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized the key role of American financial contribution to the efforts of the organization for Polio and all other infectious diseases, especially in its region.

Last week, US President Donald Trump ordered an unprecedented 90-day suspension of almost all sides of help to give his administration time to evaluate whether he would continue to finance numerous humanitarian, development and security programs that receive help.

On the first day at the White House, Trump announced that he was withdrawing the United States from WHO.

His executive command accused the United Nations agency of misly acting with the Pandemia of the Coid-19 and other global health crises, as well as the unsuccessful “urgent necessary reforms, and its inability to show the independence of the inappropriate political influence of WHO Member States.”

Balkhy announced Trump’s announcement that he was withdrawing from who was “very unhappy” and pointed out that the US is the “main” advocate of the work of her organization in the eastern Mediterranean region for decades.

“US Financing was indeed crucial in the fight against Polio, eradicating Polio. We are currently in the last round of eradication with the last two countries of the world: Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Saudi doctor said through the interpreter.

“We hope that our collaboration with our partners will allow us to achieve our goal of completely eradication to Polio -in these countries during this last phase,” she added.

Balkhy emphasized who is dedicated to protecting the world from a re -rise.

In 2024, Pakistan reported on 73 cases of paralytic poliovirus, while Afghanistan reported about 25 cases. Although there have been no additional cases of Poliota in Afghanistan, Pakistani officials have confirmed the first polioviral infection 2025 last week.

Balkhy attributed the efforts to lead who could contain what she described as the “inevitable” spread of Poliot in Gaza for the destruction of his sewage and sanitary services.

She stated that they were ready to discuss the reforms that the United States plan to propose and implement the necessary internal assessments to help improve the organization’s work.

“In 2024 funding, they have already led to devastating reductions to rescue health surgery. We are looking for your support in reinforcing our message – help us save lives, renew health systems and bring hope for millions,” Balkhy said.