KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia ended marginally lower on Monday amid selling activity as the market lacked fresh catalysts to spur investors’ buying interest, an analyst said. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 1.60 points, or 0.09 per cent, to 1,670.02, from Friday’s close of 1,671.62. The benchmark index, which opened 0.93 of-a-point higher at 1,672.55, moved between 1,668.61 and 1,674.11 throughout the trading session. Market breadth was negative as losers surpassed gainers 748 to 388, while 517 counters were unchanged, 1,271 untraded and 91 suspended. Turnover slipped to 3.11 billion units worth RM2.40 billion from 4.07 billion units valued at RM2.69 billion on Friday.
Mass Termination of US-Funded Health Programs Under Trump’s Foreign Aid Review
- Over 90% of US-funded global health programs have been terminated, following a 90-day review ordered by President Donald Trump.
- Programs addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and tuberculosis (TB) have been significantly affected.
- USAID cites "America First" policy alignment as the basis for the cuts.
Major Health Projects Affected
- UNAIDS' contract with USAID has been cancelled.
- Khana, a key HIV and TB organisation in Cambodia, received termination notices.
- Several large HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa lost funding, impacting services for vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ people and sex workers.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Stance
- Dismissed concerns that Washington is ending foreign aid and emphasized that waivers were granted for life-saving programs.
- However, recent court documents indicate broad termination of health programs, including some initially covered by waivers.
Global Health Experts Raise Alarm
- International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn: "The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing... Lives are on the line."
- Francois Venter, Executive Director of Ezintsha Research Centre, Johannesburg: "The programmes receiving termination letters were among the most efficient and effective health delivery initiatives in South Africa. This is a devastating blow."
Impact on South Africa’s HIV/AIDS Crisis
- South Africa has the world's largest HIV-positive population (approx. 8 million people).
- Programs providing HIV testing and treatment for vulnerable groups are now unfunded, threatening progress in controlling the epidemic.
Uncertain Future for Global Health Initiatives
- Reuters could not determine exact criteria for termination or the total number of affected organisations.
- USAID and the US State Department have not issued a response regarding the cuts.
- Many fear long-term damage to global health systems and an increase in preventable deaths due to funding withdrawal.
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