Malaysia’s benchmark index retreated as profit-taking in key heavyweights weighed on sentiment, while overall market activity remained active. Summary FBM KLCI fell 0.83% to 1,684.93 , dragged by losses in banking and selected large-cap names, despite steady trading participation. Market Performance FBM KLCI : 1,684.93 (-0.83%) FBM Mid 70: -0.00% (flat) FBM Small Cap: -0.23% FBM ACE: +0.20% Broad market was mixed , with weakness concentrated in large caps. Market Breadth & Trading Activity Total volume: 3.54 billion shares Total value: RM4.19 billion Gainers: 456 Losers: 678 Unchanged: 550 Market breadth turned negative , reflecting cautious sentiment. Top Movers – KLCI Gainers Axiata (6888.MY) +1.54% Petronas Gas (6033.MY) +1.18% Sunway (5211.MY) +1.15% Losers Hong Leong Bank (5819.MY) -3.29% Maybank (1155.MY) -3.02% CIMB (1023.MY) -2.47% Banking sector weakness was the main ...
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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