Emerging infectious diseases: the unseen thieves in a vulnerable global health landscape

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are like thieves in the night—striking when we least expect them, exploiting weaknesses in health systems, and leaving behind destruction in their wake. With the recent U.S. federal government decision to halt global health funding for 90 days for reassessment, the world is at a crossroads. While policymakers deliberate, EIDs are not waiting; they are evolving, spreading, and preparing to explode into full-scale outbreaks. The pause in funding comes at a precarious time, leaving global health security in a fragile state.

The Silent Expansion of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Emerging infectious diseases—whether viral, bacterial, or zoonotic—have no regard for political decisions or financial assessments. Pathogens such as Nipah virus, avian influenza, Ebola, Mpox, and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria continue to spread under the radar, waiting for the perfect storm: weakened surveillance, underfunded health systems, and disrupted preparedness mechanisms.

In the past, timely U.S. funding through organizations like the CDC, USAID, and the WHO has played a crucial role in outbreak detection and response. The 90-day freeze leaves a dangerous gap—one that EIDs will not hesitate to exploit.

What Happens When Global Health Funding is Paused?

1.Surveillance Systems Are Blinded

Disease surveillance systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) heavily rely on external funding. When financial support halts, so does real-time monitoring of potential outbreaks. This blind spot allows diseases to spread undetected until they reach crisis levels.

2. Vaccine Programs Are Disrupted

Ongoing vaccination efforts—whether for polio, measles, or newly introduced malaria vaccines—require sustained funding. Any disruption could result in resurgence, reversing years of progress. For diseases like Ebola and Lassa fever, which require rapid containment, the absence of immediate funding could mean uncontrolled outbreaks.

3. Research and Development Stalls

The development of new vaccines and treatments is an ongoing race against time. Funding pauses delay crucial trials, slow down production, and create supply chain disruptions. The world saw this firsthand during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, where delays in research led to prolonged global suffering.

4. Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

In conflict zones and fragile zones, global health funding supports emergency medical teams, maternal and child health services, and disease outbreak responses. Without financial backing, these interventions collapse, leading to preventable deaths and worsening public health emergencies.

5. EIDs Capitalize on Weakness

History has shown that emerging infectious diseases exploit gaps in preparedness. The 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the 2019 DRC Ebola resurgence, and the global spread of COVID-19 all demonstrated the cost of delayed action. With uncertainty looming over U.S. funding, the stage is set for another crisis—one that could have been mitigated with proactive investment.

Race Against Time: The Need for Urgent Action

While policymakers reassess expenditures, global health organizations, researchers, and frontline workers must find alternative solutions. Here’s what must happen immediately:

1. Alternative Funding Mechanisms

International donors and private sector stakeholders must step in to bridge the funding gap.

The WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) should be expanded to respond rapidly in the absence of U.S. funding.

2. Strengthening Domestic Health Financing

LMICs must invest in their own health systems, reducing reliance on external donors.

Governments should prioritize pandemic preparedness in national budgets.

3. Emergency Global Health Diplomacy

Advocacy is crucial to ensure that U.S. policymakers recognize the potential consequences of prolonged funding cuts.

Global health should not be a political pawn—delays in action will cost lives.

4. Rapid Investment in Regional Vaccine Manufacturing

Africa, Asia, and Latin America must accelerate the development of their own vaccine production facilities to reduce dependence on external supply chains.

Emerging infectious diseases are not waiting for budget approvals or political negotiations. While the U.S. federal government takes a 90-day pause to do assessment of activities, these unseen threats are preparing to strike. Every moment of delay weakens global preparedness, creating opportunities for outbreaks to spiral out of control.

Global health is not just a financial investment—it is a security priority. The time to act is now, before these silent thieves become unstoppable forces, robbing the world of lives, stability, and progress.

Tambe Elvis Akem