NIH Funding Cuts Threaten U.S. Health

THE National Institutes of Health (NIH) faces substantial funding cuts that could derail progress in critical medical research. These cuts threaten the development of lifesaving treatments and vaccines for various infectious diseases, including respiratory illnesses, HIV, and antimicrobial-resistant infections. Additionally, the funding slashes will severely impact the U.S.’s ability to respond to emerging threats such as pandemics and bioterrorism. Experts warn that the cuts will lead to job losses in the medical research sector and weaken U.S. biosecurity. The Infectious Diseases Society of America urges Congress to preserve NIH funding to safeguard public health and the economy.

These reductions could also stifle innovation, as they will disrupt the vital infrastructure that supports research across the country, further delaying advancements in medicine and public health preparedness. The call to action is clear: NIH funding must be restored to protect Americans’ health and safety.

Reference: IDSA. Infectious Diseases Doctors Warn: NIH Funding Cuts Threaten Every American’s Health. February 10, 2025. Available at: https://www.idsociety.org/news–publications-new/articles/2025/infectious-diseases-doctors-warn-nih-funding-cuts-threaten-every-americans-health/. Last accessed: February 11, 2025.

Anaya Malik | AMJ