Lives on Pause: Implications of a U.S. Retreat from Global Health Funding

In his first weeks in office, U.S. President Donald Trump has taken several steps to signal a dramatic shift in U.S. participation in global health programs around the world. In addition to ordering the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization and global agreements to mitigate climate change and prevent future pandemics, the administration issued a pause on all foreign aid, which has created uncertainty about the short- and long-term future of programs such as PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which provides access to lifesaving HIV medications for millions of people around the world. This Think Global panel will explore the implications of these actions and the changing landscape of global cooperation on public health. Moderated by DGHI director Chris Beyrer, M.D., the panel features experts on global health policy and financing, as well as researchers who will speak to the on-the-ground impact of programs such as PEPFAR.