The U.S. federal government has abruptly halted funding for 22 vaccine research projects, slashing nearly $500 million in critical investments. Health experts are sounding the alarm 🚨, warning this move could weaken defenses against future pandemics, including emerging COVID-19 variants and seasonal flu outbreaks.
🔬 The decision comes as global health leaders emphasize the need for robust vaccine development. “This funding cut is like dismantling your fire department during wildfire season,” said Dr. Alicia Chen, a public health researcher. “We’re leaving ourselves exposed to threats we know are coming.”
🌎 The ripple effect could extend beyond U.S. borders, impacting global pandemic preparedness. With climate change and urbanization accelerating disease spread, experts argue now is the time to increase research, not scale back.
💡 What’s next? Advocates urge policymakers to reconsider, while scientists explore alternative funding avenues. Stay tuned as this story develops – our health security might depend on it.
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U.S. slashes $500M in vaccine research, experts raise alarms
cgtn.com