USAID freeze impacting the transport of mpox diagnostics in Africa
March 18, 2025
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported that the U.S. funding freeze is severely impacting its efforts to contain the ongoing mpox outbreak. At the latest WHO emergency meeting, officials confirmed that the suspension of U.S. aid has disrupted laboratory diagnostics and sample transportation, leading to a decline in testing rates. The WHO has raised $65.6 million for response efforts, but $7.5 million remains inaccessible due to the freeze. As Africa CDC explores alternative funding sources, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged the U.S. to reconsider its pause on international healthcare aid to prevent further public health setbacks.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised concerns over the significant impact of the U.S. funding freeze on its mpox response efforts. Speaking at the latest WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee meeting, officials confirmed that the suspension of U.S. aid is disrupting laboratory diagnostics, sample transportation, and overall outbreak surveillance. As a result, testing rates have declined, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the mpox outbreak.
The freeze is part of broader U.S. foreign aid restrictions under the Trump administration, affecting programs managed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These cuts extend beyond mpox, impacting global efforts to combat HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis. The African region, which accounts for 61% of global mpox cases and 72% of related deaths, is particularly vulnerable to these funding suspensions.
The WHO has raised $65.6 million to support the mpox response, with the U.S. previously contributing 33% of these funds. However, $7.5 million remains inaccessible due to the funding freeze. The suspension is expected to impact not only the DRC but also Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, with the WHO warning that reduced financial predictability could derail progress.
In response, Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized efforts to enhance vaccine distribution, strengthen surveillance, and integrate mpox interventions into broader public health initiatives. The WHO continues to seek alternative funding sources while urging the U.S. to reconsider its stance on international healthcare aid. Without urgent financial intervention, the containment of mpox in Africa remains at risk, with potential consequences for global health security.