Health Check
A WHO without the United States
Jan 22, 2025
Smita Mundasad, a BBC health reporter known for her insights on global health issues, joins the discussion. The conversation kicks off with the potential fallout of the U.S. exiting the World Health Organization and its impact on global health initiatives. They dive into Meta's shift from independent fact-checking to community notes, raising concerns about health misinformation. The podcast also highlights a new rapid test for Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic fever and explores the mental health challenges astronauts may face during long-term space missions.
26:27
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Quick takeaways
- The potential US withdrawal from the WHO could significantly undermine global health initiatives and worsen international disease response efforts.
- Changes in Meta's fact-checking systems may exacerbate health misinformation, risking public health by enabling reliance on unverified health claims.
Deep dives
Impact of US Withdrawal from the WHO
The decision by the US to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised significant concerns among global health experts regarding its impact on international health efforts. The WHO plays a critical role in promoting health, especially during emergencies, such as tracking diseases and facilitating the distribution of therapeutics and vaccines. The US has been the largest donor to the WHO, and this withdrawal could severely hinder efforts to combat global health threats, including diseases like HIV and MPOX. International reactions have expressed fears that the decision may lead to a regression in public health advancements, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address health crises.
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