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Argentina follows in Trump's footsteps, planning to withdraw from the WHO over concerns about political influence and inflexibility, a move highlighted by President Javier Milei at the WHO's Executive Board. As the WHO calls for a 20% funding boost to sustain global health efforts, resistance from countries like China and Argentina grows, citing financial concerns. Meanwhile, the USAID faces mass layoffs amid a near-total shutdown, potentially exacerbating global health challenges, while the FDA approves the first human trial for pig kidney transplants, offering hope for end-stage renal disease patients.

Argentina plans to withdraw from the WHO, following Trump's lead, due to concerns over political influence and inflexibility. President Javier Milei's decision was announced at the WHO's Executive Board, highlighting the country's dissatisfaction with the organization's approach. POLITICO

WHO calls for a 20% funding boost amid global pushback. Some countries, including China and Argentina, resist the increase, citing financial concerns, while WHO leaders stress the need for sustainable funding to maintain global health efforts. DEVEX

Chinese drugmakers are attracting major Western pharma deals with "super me-too" treatments, fueled by faster trials and early-stage data. Big pharmaceutical companies like GSK and Merck are capitalizing on this trend, investing billions into developing Chinese drugs for global markets. FINANCIAL TIMES

USAID staff facing mass layoffs as agency nears shutdown. USAID, the world's largest bilateral donor, is placing most of its staff on administrative leave, marking a near-total shutdown following cuts since President Trump's return, including a foreign aid pause and stop-work orders. The agency, which spent USD 40B in 2023, is now facing significant dismantling, with staff repatriation and contractor terminations planned by the State Department. DEVEX

First pig kidney transplant trial in humans gets FDA approval. The trial will assess the safety and effectiveness of transplanting genetically modified pig kidneys into six patients with end-stage renal disease, monitoring them for six months and following up for life. NATURE

Second H5N1 strain detected in US dairy cattle, prompting biosecurity urgency
The USDA confirmed the presence of a second avian flu strain, D1.1, in US dairy cattle, raising alarms among experts about potential virus spread. Public health and agricultural authorities emphasize the need for stronger biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks. STAT

USAID's funding freeze threatens to worsen the malaria crisis. The cuts come at a perilous time as new deadly variants and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes spread, leaving vulnerable populations at risk and hindering global malaria control efforts. BARRON'S

Flies in hospital wards could be spreading drug-resistant bacteria, a study shows. Researchers found flies in Nigerian hospitals carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including last-resort drugs, posing serious infection risks and emphasizing the need for improved insect control to combat antimicrobial resistance. THE GUARDIAN