U.S. public health officials have been told to stop working with the World Health Organization, effective immediately. The surprise decision is focused on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A CDC official sent a memo to senior leaders at the agency on Sunday night telling them that all agency staff who work with the WHO must immediately stop their collaborations and “await further guidance.” The Associated Press viewed the memo. Experts say the sudden stoppage is a surprise and will set back work on investigating and trying to stop outbreaks of Marburg virus and mpox in Africa.
A twice-yearly shot that prevents HIV infections will be available at low cost in 120 poor countries. But nearly all of Latin America was excluded from the deal with drugmaker Gilead, sparking concern the world is missing a critical opportunity to stop AIDS. The shot was 100% effective in preventing HIV infections in a study of women, and results published Wednesday show it worked nearly as well in men. The drug is already sold to treat HIV infections and Gilead plans to seek approval soon to use it to guard against infections.
The Justice Department has charged nearly 200 people in a sweeping crackdown on health care fraud schemes nationwide with false claims topping $2.7 billion. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced charges against doctors, nurse practitioners and others across the U.S. on Thursday. The people are accused of a variety of scams, including a $900 million scheme in Arizona targeting dying patients. Prosecutors accuse two owners of Arizona wound care companies of accepting $330 million in kickbacks in a scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare for wound dressings. Another case alleges a scheme in Florida to distribute misbranded HIV drugs. Garland says anyone profiting off the unlawful distribution of controlled substances "will be held accountable.”
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