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3mo ago

Trump Administration NIH Grant Freeze and WHO Withdrawal Shake Research and Global Health Efforts

The NIH halts grant reviews, disrupting U.S. university research, as the U.S. formally begins withdrawal from the WHO, citing financial and political concerns.

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Bethesda, MD, USA 11/21/2020: Exterior view of the main historic building (Building 1) of National Institutes of Health (NIH) inside Bethesda campus. NIH funds majority of biomedical research in USA
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health say they can't purchase critical supplies for their studies, including test tubes and medications, because of a pause on outside communication issued this week issued by the Trump Administration this week.

Overview

  • The Trump administration has paused NIH grant reviews until February 1, causing widespread concern among U.S. universities that rely on these funds for research and operations.
  • The NIH provides over $33 billion annually to American higher education institutions, funding a significant portion of research across multiple disciplines.
  • University administrators fear the freeze could lead to long-term financial instability, particularly for institutions heavily reliant on indirect costs covered by NIH grants.
  • Trump has officially initiated the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, citing disproportionate financial contributions and the organization's alignment with China's influence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The WHO faces a $706 million shortfall due to the U.S. withdrawal, with key global health programs like HIV and tuberculosis interventions at risk of significant funding cuts.