Bulletin #94: The Trump effect in health

This fortnight

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.

Featured articles

The Trump Effect: pushing global health to the brink

In the first installment of an in-depth analysis, Dr. B. Ekbal examines the potential global health impact of Donald Trump’s presidency, drawing parallels to his past healthcare policies

How does RFK Jr. intend to “Make America Healthy Again”?

The Senate hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for US Health and Human Services secretary, fueled concerns over his vaccine skepticism and lack of real health policies

WHO Executive Board to discuss substandard medical products: what is it all about?

The WHO Executive Board will discuss global health priorities this week, including substandard and falsified medical products, with key implications for public pharmaceutical initiatives

Delhi’s healthcare crisis: a wake-up call ahead of elections

Ahead of Delhi Assembly elections on February 5, JSA Delhi warns about persisting health inequities and calls for meaningful health policies

In case you missed it

PHM Background and Commentary on Items before WHO Executive Board 156 February 2025 | People’s Health Movement

Home

New PSI report reveals critical role and challenges of Community Health Workers in Malawi & Zambia

This PSI report examines the state of community health workers (CHWs) in Malawi and Zambia, focusing on their crucial role in delivering healthcare services, the challenges they face and the need for increased unionisation.

Public Services International The global union federation of workers in public servicesComms

Budget 2025-26: Tall Claims, But Health Sector Faces Neglect Yet Again, Says JSA | NewsClick

The share of health in the total Union government budget has declined from 2.26% to 2.05%, said the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan’s critique.

NewsclickNewsclick Report

Four in ten medical students consider leaving or pausing studies due to financial pressures

Morning StarElizabeth Short

Big Pharma Is Pushing Potentially Deadly Alzheimer’s Drugs

The Food and Drug Administration has approved controversial drug treatments for Alzheimer’s disease amid excess deaths, questionable efficacy, and conflicts of interest between regulators, patient advocates, and Big Pharma.

Jeanne Lenzer