As CDC Stops Sharing Flu Data with WHO, Trump Endangers Health
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stopped reporting flu surveillance data through WHO platforms, including FluNet and FluID, as it normally would as part of the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). This follows Trump administration orders to pause communications with WHO. The U.S. is facing its most intense flu season in at least 15 years and is grappling with the threat from bird flu.
Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Director Peter Maybarduk issued the following statement:
“Trump’s recklessness is already risking the health of Americans and people worldwide. WHO coordination of flu surveillance leads to quick detection and analysis of new flu viruses that could cause epidemics or pandemics.
“CDC’s cooperation with WHO helps prepare for pandemics and select appropriate seasonal flu vaccines, saving lives and making flu season bearable for families. The U.S. helped build this flu monitoring network. Withdrawing the U.S. undermines the network, and the protection it offers us all.”