Health Check The disappearing mid-life crisis
Nov 19, 2025
In this discussion, global health journalist Andrew Green dives into the repercussions of US funding cuts on HIV services in Botswana, highlighting urgent negotiations for healthcare support. Meanwhile, Professor Steven Cohen reveals how botulinum toxin injections are alleviating phantom limb pain in Ukrainian war amputees, significantly enhancing their recovery. The conversation also touches on concerning trends of rising unhappiness among young people compared to middle-aged adults, sparking intriguing insights into societal changes.
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Community HIV Services Severed By Funding Cuts
- US funding cuts removed community HIV outreach that extended clinic services into rural and vulnerable populations.
- Andrew Green warns this severing risks undetected infections, treatment interruption and drug resistance.
Conditional Funding Demands Raise Concerns
- US negotiators are asking for long-term access to pathogen data and domestic financial commitments tied to timelines.
- Andrew Green notes these demands could pressure countries and risk withdrawal of pledged funds if targets are missed.
Income Status Masks Real Funding Needs
- Botswana's upper-middle-income status makes other donors reluctant despite economic decline and need.
- Andrew Green explains this leaves a funding gap few donors will fill after US withdrawal.