Foreign

Trump administration seeks legislative backing to terminate vaccine funding

Published

1 month ago

March 27, 2025

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The President Donald Trump administration plans to terminate the United States’ financial support for the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation, the organization that has helped purchase critical vaccines for children in developing countries.

Some other programs terminated is funding for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which conducts surveillance for diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, including bird flu, in 49 countries. Some major programs to track and fight malaria, one of the world’s top killers of children, have also been ended.

Those decisions are included in a 281-page spreadsheet that the United States Agency for International Development sent to the US Congress, listing the foreign aid projects it plans to continue and to terminate.

The New York Times obtained a copy of the spreadsheet and other documents describing the plans.

For many years, developing countries have relied on GAVI support to combat malaria.

Gavi is estimated to have saved the lives of 19 million children since it was set up 25 years ago. The United States contributes 13 percent of its budget.

The terminated grant to Gavi was worth $2.6 billion through 2030.

By Gavi’s own estimate, the loss of U.S. support may mean 75 million children do not receive routine vaccinations in the next five years, with more than 1.2 million children dying as a result.

The U.S. has been among the top donors to the organization since its creation, and became the largest during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gavi was counting on a pledge made last year by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. for its next funding cycle.

New vaccines with the promise to save millions of lives in low-income countries, such as one to protect children from severe malaria and another to protect teenage girls against the virus that causes cervical cancer, have recently become available, and Gavi was expanding the portfolio of support it could give those countries.

The loss of U.S. funds may set back the organization’s ability to continue to provide its basic range of services — such as immunization for measles and polio — to a growing population of children in the poorest countries, let alone expand to include new vaccines.

While European countries have historically provided significant funding, many are now reducing foreign aid spending as they grapple with the change in U.S. policy on Ukraine and the U.S. demand that they increase their defense spending.

Japan, another major Gavi donor, is struggling with a depreciating currency.

GAVI’s chief executive, Dr. Sania Nishtar said that she hoped the Trump administration would reconsider the decision to end its support. “Gavi’s work keeps people everywhere, including Americans, safe. In addition to protecting individual children, vaccination reduces the possibility of large outbreaks. The organization maintains global stockpiles for vaccines against diseases such as Ebola and cholera, deploying them in rapid response efforts for epidemics,” she said.

Gavi’s structure requires countries to pay part of the cost of vaccines, with their share growing as income levels rise; middle-income countries are weaned from support.

The Trump administration, according to the letter has decided to continue 898 U.S. Agency for International Development Awards and to end 5,341.

It says the remaining programs are worth up to $78 billion.

But only $8.3 billion of that is unobligated funds — money still available to disburse, because the amount covers awards that run several years into the future.

The figure shows a massive reduction in the $40 billion that U.S.A.I.D. used to spend annually.

The administration has decided to continue some key grants for medications to treat H.I.V. and tuberculosis, and food aid to countries facing civil wars and natural disasters.

The cover letter details the skeletal remains of U.S.A.I.D. after the cuts, with most of its funding eliminated, and only 869 of more than 6,000 employees still on active duty.

The memo says that 869 U.S.A.I.D. personnel were working as of last Friday, while 3,848 were on administrative leave and 1,602 are in the process of being laid off.

Of 300 probationary employees who were initially fired, 270 have returned to work following a court order prohibiting their dismissal.

A spokesperson for the State Department, which now runs what is left of U.S.A.I.D., confirmed the terminations on the list were accurate and said that “each award terminated was reviewed individually for alignment with agency and administration priorities, and terminations were executed where Secretary Rubio determined the award was inconsistent with the national interest or agency policy priorities.”

Although the administration has repeatedly said publicly that its foreign assistance review process has been concluded, the information in the documents suggests that there is still some fluidity in which programs will survive.

Staff members of one major malaria program that was terminated weeks ago, and which appears on the list of canceled projects sent to Congress, for example, were informed on Monday that it is being restored.

Nevertheless, cuts to malaria response are deep. While awards that fund the bulk purchase of bednets and malaria treatments have been preserved, many of the programs to deliver these and other malaria control efforts in individual countries such as Cameroon and Tanzania — among the most affected in the world — have been terminated.

Some organizations with awards that have not been officially canceled have received no funds for more than two months, and have folded. Without them, there is no one to take treatments from ports to local clinics, or deliver them to children.

Foreign

Judge halts Trump’s shutdown of Voice of America

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2025

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A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore all jobs and funding for the Voice of America and other US-backed news outlets, ruling that efforts to dismantle it violated the law and Constitution.

Over 1,300 VOA employees, including about 1,000 journalists, were placed on leave following President Donald Trump’s order. The White House has accused the broadcaster of being “anti-Trump” and “radical”.

VOA, still primarily a radio service, was set up during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda, and has become a major global media broadcaster.

The ruling noted that because of the cuts, “VOA is not reporting the news for the first time in its 80-year existence”.

Judge Royce Lamberth said the administration acted “without regard to the harm inflicted on employees, contractors, journalists, and media consumers around the world”.

He ordered the administration to take steps to restore employees and contractors to the jobs they had prior to the executive order, and to do the same for Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks.

The judge found the administration also likely violated the International Broadcasting Act and Congress’ power to appropriate funding.

“My colleagues and I are grateful for this ruling. But we know that this is just a small step forward, as the government is likely to appeal,” said Patsy Widakuswara, the VOA White House bureau chief and a lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.

“We are committed to continuing to fight against what we believe is the administration’s unlawful silencing of VOA until we can return to our congressional mandate: to tell America’s stories with factual, balanced, and comprehensive, reporting,” she said.

Trump has long criticised VOA as part of his broader attacks against the media, frequently accusing mainstream outlets of bias.

After taking office in January, he appointed a political ally, Kari Lake, to run VOA. Lake has previously supported Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

In March, Trump ordered the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA and funds outlets like Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, to be “eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law”.

A separate judge in New York temporarily blocked the executive order after journalists, advocacy groups and unions sued, arguing the move was unlawful.

Judge Lamberth, who is based in Washington, DC, ruled the Trump administration lacked the authority to shutter VOA, which is funded by Congress and has a legislative mandate to deliver credible news globally.

“It is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary and capricious actions than the Defendants’ actions here,” he wrote.

“Even though several courts have ruled that the President can remove personnel and terminate grants, a radical district judge is once again attempting to interfere with the Trump Administration’s efforts to make the government more efficient,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement.

USAGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Foreign

Pope Francis Death: Italy, Argentina 25 other Countries Declared National Mourning (Full List)

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2025

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The world stood still on April 21, 2025, as the Vatican officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis, aged 88. His passing marked the end of a historic papacy and triggered an outpouring of grief across continents. Numerous nations, especially those with significant Catholic populations, declared national mourning periods to honor the pontiff’s life, spiritual leadership, and global influence.

From Latin America to Europe, Asia, and Africa, countries initiated solemn observances, lowered national flags to half-mast, and held public commemorations. This article highlights the full list of countries that declared national mourning in memory of Pope Francis.

Why Pope Francis’s Death Resonated Globally

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Jesuit and the first Latin American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. Since his election in 2013, he championed issues such as poverty alleviation, climate action, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, making him a spiritual leader not just for Catholics, but for people of all faiths.

His legacy transcended religious boundaries, prompting state-led tributes even in non-Catholic majority nations.

List of Countries That Declared National Mourning for Pope Francis
Below is a country-by-country breakdown of declared national mourning periods:

Country	Mourning Period	Remarks
Argentina	7 days (Apr 22–28)	Pope Francis’s homeland; nationwide memorial services held.
Brazil	7 days	Churches and public buildings observed solemn tributes.
East Timor	7 days	Predominantly Catholic nation with extensive observances.
Italy	5 days (Apr 21–26)	Vatican’s host country; held massive state ceremonies.
Costa Rica	4 days	Flags at half-mast; public prayers offered.
Spain	3 days	Public processions and masses conducted.
India	3 days	Interfaith tributes and official condolences shared.
Philippines	3 days	Nation-wide tributes; churches filled with mourners.
Poland	3 days	Mourning coincided with the Pope’s funeral.
Portugal	3 days	Official services in Lisbon and major cities.
Lebanon	3 days	Christian and Muslim leaders offered joint prayers.
Venezuela	3 days	Government-organized memorials.
Chile	3 days	National flags at half-mast; televised funeral services.
Cuba	3 days	Nationwide mourning with Catholic mass ceremonies.
Guatemala	3 days	Memorial services across Catholic institutions.
Panama	3 days	Official decree and observances.
Dominican Republic	3 days	Nationwide religious services held.
Paraguay	3 days	Church bells rang across the country in honor.
Peru	3 days	Large public gatherings held for prayers.
Ecuador	3 days	Tributes from religious and government figures.
Puerto Rico	3 days	Government-declared mourning period observed.
Malta	1 day (Apr 26)	Marked during the Pope’s funeral.
Croatia	1 day	Flags lowered; public messages of condolence shared.
Hungary	1 day	National mourning aligned with funeral rites.
Uruguay	1 day	Ceremonies held in Catholic schools and churches.
Cape Verde	1 day	Special services held across Catholic communities.

Global Religious and Political Reactions

World leaders, religious figures, and citizens across continents expressed grief and paid glowing tributes to Pope Francis’s legacy. The United Nations, European Union, and African Union all issued statements acknowledging his contributions to world peace, interreligious harmony, and humanitarian service.

In cities like Manila, Rome, Buenos Aires, and Lagos, candlelight vigils were held. Cathedrals rang their bells in synchronized tribute, while mosques and temples also joined in interfaith memorial services.

Pope Francis’s death has left a void in the global religious and moral conscience. His efforts to promote compassion, inclusiveness, and humility in leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

While the Vatican prepares for a papal conclave to elect a successor, the world continues to reflect on the lessons and legacy of a pope who bridged faith and humanity in unprecedented ways.

The widespread declaration of national mourning in countries around the world highlights just how impactful Pope Francis was—not only to Catholics but to people of all beliefs. His death marks the end of a deeply influential era in the Church’s history.

May his soul rest in peace.

Foreign

Meet Peter Turkson, Ghanaian cardinal who is a potential candidate for the papacy

Published

5 days ago

April 22, 2025

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The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has made a strong case for Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson to become the next leader of the Catholic Church.

According to him, the Ghanaian Cardinal, who is currently the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences and Social Sciences at the Vatican, is of the right age and has the requisite experience to be elected Pope.

He said the Church in Ghana will pray for the Cardinal, adding that his becoming Pope would be a great achievement for the country, 3news.com reports.

“But definitely, our Cardinal is also one of the Cardinals. He is of the right age, he’s had enough experience, and if his brother Cardinals think he is the right person, then they will be ready to support him.

“We will support him with our prayers and definitely it will be a great pat on the shoulders of Ghana if that should happen,” he is quoted as saying.

Most Rev Palmer-Buckle, who is the former Archbishop of Accra, however, indicated that the Holy Spirit will guide the Cardinals in choosing the next Pope.

“Let’s leave it to the Holy Spirit to do its work. When Pope Benedict died, about 1.3 billion Catholics all over the world went into prayer, and therefore, I am sure we are all going to go into prayer.

“We are going to go into prayer and we will allow the Lord to indicate who should be the next Pope,” he added.

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle’s comments come following the death of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025.

About Pope Francis’ Death:

A number of global media outlets reported the death of the 88-year-old Pope early on Monday.

The Vatican Camerlengo, who is tasked with confirming the Pope’s death, has confirmed his passing.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, is quoted as saying by apnews.com.