Bethany Kozma, US Health and Human Services Director of Global Affairs, warned the Pan American Health Organization at its 63rd Directing Council meeting not to overhype the health impacts of the climate crisis or pursue a divisive political agenda.
Financial Pressures and Unpaid US Dues at PAHO
The Pan American Health Organization faces severe financial constraints as the United States, its largest donor, has not paid membership fees since 2024, accumulating a debt of over $134 million. PAHO Regional Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa noted that the Trump administration has signalled its intention to cut all funds to the organization by 2027.
These financial tensions forced member states to approve a 19% budget reduction last year. Barbosa stated that the budget cuts have affected operations across the region, though the organization has attempted to maintain regional health programs through resilience and innovative approaches.
Geopolitical Clashes Over Climate Policy and Embargoes
Geopolitical friction dominated the opening of the council meeting in Washington. US Health and Human Services Director of Global Affairs Bethany Kozma cautioned delegates against steering the organization into a divisive political and social agenda. Kozma specifically cited expanding resources to overhype the impact of the climate crisis on health, promoting gender ideology, and impeding freedom of expression.
Tensions also flared between the US and Cuba after a Caribbean delegate reported that US embargoes negatively affect the Cuban population. The oil blockade enforced by the US in 2026 has disrupted the Cuban healthcare system and sanitation services, according to PAHO findings. A US delegate responded that the embargoes are legal and will not end without a change in government on the island, prompting the Cuban representative to reassert national sovereignty.
Measles Resurgence and Regional Health Milestones
Despite political disputes, PAHO highlighted major regional achievements during its annual report. Brazil and the Bahamas successfully eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, Chile eliminated leprosy, and immunization recovery efforts progressed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past year, PAHO’s surveillance systems analyzed more than 2.2 million signals related to potential public health events, and 780 telehealth kits were distributed across 20 countries.
However, health officials warned against the fragility of these gains. Measles cases in the Americas have tripled in the past year after the region lost its measles-free status. With seven of the 42 member countries reporting less than 80% coverage for the first dose of the measles vaccine, Barbosa urged nations to strengthen immunization activities.
US health official warns PAHO over climate and gender policies
What specific warnings did the US give PAHO?
US Health and Human Services Director of Global Affairs Bethany Kozma warned PAHO against overhyping the health impacts of the climate crisis, promoting gender ideology, and restricting freedom of expression.
Which countries recently achieved disease elimination milestones?
Brazil and the Bahamas eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and Chile eliminated leprosy, according to PAHO’s annual report.
How have US embargoes affected Cuba’s healthcare system?
PAHO reported that a US-enforced oil blockade in 2026 has disrupted Cuba’s healthcare and sanitation services, creating what the organization termed an unparalleled crisis for the island.
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