Global Health Funds Have Been Withheld by OMB
The federal government has halted $1.35 billion in approved aid, affecting critical programs for tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in COVID-19
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Should the federal government maintain existing funding levels for international infectious disease programs?
The Office of Management and Budget is currently withholding $1.35 billion in previously approved bilateral health funding as the federal fiscal year nears its end. These funds, intended for HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal health, remain frozen while federal aid programs undergo significant restructuring.
Why it matters
The withheld funding, which is set to expire on September 30, is projected to result in tens of thousands of preventable deaths globally. This shift marks a major departure from established health assistance patterns and has prompted 134 members of Congress to demand the immediate release of these resources.
An analysis of 18 memorandums of understanding reveals funding reductions ranging from 43% to 97% compared to 2024 baseline levels. While $600 million was released to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in July, the overall federal commitment to global health programs has seen steep declines.
The players
Office of Management and Budget
The federal agency overseeing the federal budget and the allocation of approved foreign health assistance.
PEPFAR
The Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has been responsible for saving 26 million lives since 2003.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
An international organization that received $600 million in federal funding this July to support vaccination efforts.
US Agency for International Development
The federal agency responsible for implementing long-term civilian foreign aid, which was dismantled in 2025.
The details
The administration is currently negotiating new memorandums of understanding with recipient nations under the America First Global Health Strategy to reduce reliance on foreign assistance. Meanwhile, $2 billion of approved funding has been diverted to cover the administrative costs of dismantling the US Agency for International Development, including office lease terminations and severance pay for former employees.
Timeline
2003: PEPFAR was established by the Bush administration.
2024: Baseline year for global health funding comparisons.
April 2026: OMB informed Congress of plans to use funds.
July 2026: State Department disbursed withheld Gavi funding.
September 30, 2026: Federal fiscal year ends and funding expires.
Health Landscape
The current funding impasse marks a sharp reversal in the historical trajectory of the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which served as the cornerstone of American global health engagement for over two decades. This move signals a transition away from long-standing bilateral assistance frameworks toward a more restrictive strategy under the current administration.
These funding changes may disrupt the continuity of essential services for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis globally, which can complicate efforts to contain infectious diseases. If you have concerns about how these policy shifts affect global health access or international aid work, these impacts are worth discussing with a policy expert or your physician.
The takeaway
The freezing of these funds risks reversing decades of progress in global infectious disease control and maternal health outcomes. Tracking official federal budget announcements as the fiscal year closes is essential for understanding the stability of these critical health programs.
Further reading
For more on how government policy shapes public health initiatives, visit COVID-19.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Progressive-charlestown.
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Should the federal government maintain existing funding levels for international infectious disease programs?
