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The NIH’s $9 billion budget slash threatens US biomedical leadership, while WHO’s push for a $50B endowment fund seeks to stabilize global health financing. Trump’s WHO exit continues to spark concerns, weakening disease surveillance and smallpox defenses. Meanwhile, US aid cuts disrupt healthcare in South Africa, but local leaders see a chance for systemic reform.

NIH’s $9 billion funding cut sparks outrage, threatening US biomedical dominance. Experts warn that slashing indirect research costs could cripple innovation, with opposition even from some Republican lawmakers, though political tensions persist over health policy decisions. HEALTH POLICY WATCH

WHO chief proposes a bold $50B endowment fund for stable financing. Dr. Tedros aims to generate $1.5–$2.5B annually to address funding gaps, especially as the US exits, though challenges remain. DEVEX

WHO has limited information on bird flu spread in the US. The organization lost direct communication with the CDC after Trump's WHO withdrawal, raising concerns about weakened public health monitoring and a potential H5N1 pandemic. BARRON'S

Trump’s WHO exit jeopardizes global smallpox defenses. Experts warn that this decision could disrupt research, weaken biosecurity, and hinder international collaboration, increasing the risk of virus leaks and a potential resurgence. THE NEW YORK TIMES

US aid cuts threaten lives but create an opportunity to reshape global health. South Africa faces severe disruptions, prompting calls for local investment, south-south collaboration, and systemic reforms in academia, advocacy, and leadership to challenge global health inequities. NATURE

A simple blood test can catch pancreatic cancer before it spreads. Developed using nano sensors to detect tumor-active proteases, it showed 73% accuracy in identifying cancer and 98% accuracy for healthy individuals, offering hope for early diagnosis and better survival rates. NATURE

Africa is making significant strides in local health product manufacturing. Key developments include Africa CDC’s expansion of vaccine initiatives, a $2B pledge from Afreximbank, and a $1.2B AVMA fund, with experts emphasizing strong policies and capacity-building for self-sufficiency. AFRICA CDC

Oropouche virus is spreading fast in the Americas, with rising cases and new risks. PAHO reports 3,765 cases in early 2024, mainly in Brazil, warns of fetal complications from vertical transmission, and urges stronger surveillance and prevention efforts. CIDRAP