People's Health Dispatch: The Trump effect in health

/ 9 February 2025 / 0 Comments

This fortnight at the People's Health Dispatch

Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency is already reshaping global health policy. With the US set to leave the World Health Organization by 2026, concerns over the agency’s financial stability are rising—but the impact goes far beyond funding. As Dr. B. Ekbal explores in the first part of an in-depth analysis, Trump’s health policies are certain to have far-reaching consequences, including controversial appointments like anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faced intense scrutiny during confirmation hearings.

Despite financial uncertainty, the WHO continues its work. From February 3 to 11, its Executive Board is tackling key issues, including efforts to regulate substandard medical products. However, health activists warn that the proposed framework threatens to exclude grassroots voices in favor of Big Pharma interests.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, healthcare remains out of reach for much of the working class. Ahead of the state assembly elections, the local chapter of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan has launched a People’s Health Manifesto, demanding stronger public health services and expanded primary care to address deepening inequalities.