US Move to Cut PAHO Funding Sparks Health-Security Alarm Across Americas

The US FY2027 budget proposes eliminating funding to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), drawing bipartisan concern that it would weaken the Western Hemisphere’s ability to defend against disease threats. PAHO is cutting its budget by 17% and downsizing staff, while the US owes about $135 million in dues; proponents argue PAHO is the region's first line of defense and a bipartisan Friends of PAHO coalition urges Washington to maintain support, highlighting PAHO's ongoing role coordinating health responses across 35 countries.