The impact of the United States’ distancing from the UN and withholding WHO funding on maternal and child health and nutrition in the Latin America & Caribbean region

TL;DR

The US distancing from the UN and cutting WHO funding threatens progress in maternal and child health in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Contribution

This commentary highlights the specific risks to maternal and child health in LAC due to reduced international support and proposes mitigation strategies.

Findings

Infant mortality in LAC decreased by 67% between 1990 and 2015 due to UN and WHO efforts.

The US, as the largest WHO donor, has supported critical health programs in the region.

Reduced funding may weaken health systems and increase vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Abstract

This commentary examines the serious implications of the United States’ (US) decision to withdraw funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN) system for maternal and child health and nutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The region has made significant progress in reducing maternal and infant mortality through coordinated efforts led by WHO, PAHO, and other UN agencies, as an example, infant mortality decrease in LAC by 67% between 1990 and 2015. However, many countries, particularly low-income countries and small island nations, remain highly dependent on international funding and technical support for essential services, such as maintaining immunization coverage and reducing maternal and infant mortality. Importantly, the impacts on the health of LAC due to the US departure from WHO can be devastating, by contributing to the weakening of epidemiological surveillance, the reduction of the capacity to respond to disasters and other public health emergencies, and affecting services for vulnerable populations, such as women and children. The US, historically the largest WHO donor (22% of its budget), has supported essential programs such as vaccination, neonatal care, nutrition, and health services for migrant populations. This major disruption in funds is especially concerning for vulnerable communities, and will likely increase the risk of disease resurgence. It will also weaken regional preparedness for future pandemics. This commentary calls for urgent action from LAC governments to safeguard public health. Recommended strategies include diversifying funding through earmarked taxes, social impact bonds, and public-private partnerships, and increasing domestic health investment. Allocating at least 2% of GDP to maternal and child health could help mitigate the impact of global policy shifts and reduce internal inequities, ensuring continued progress in the region.