Spark Street Advisors

Spark Street Advisors, along with the Panel for a Global Public Health Convention, The Elders Foundation, The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (The Independent Panel), and Pandemic Action Network, have sent an open letter to the #INB & #WGIHR Co-Chairs, and WHO Member States. We underscore the principles of governance, leadership, and accountability around a new #PandemicAgreement. These must be fit-for-purpose long into the future. Read the letter here:?bit.ly/3JWaM6K

?Only 5 days left for #PandemicAccord negotiations. Talks continue, but big gaps remain. Where do things stand, and what’s next? Read our Spark Street Advisors latest update here ???? https://lnkd.in/edydYexz

??The Trump Administration reported to the court that it has completed its administrative review of each foreign assistance contract. Only 500 #USAID awards in total will be retained. At the State Department (responsible for #PEPFAR), it's a bit higher for the number of retained grants but still a 70% cut. They are now sending out termination notices.

On Tuesday, a Federal judge ordered the Trump administration to pay out hundreds of millions in foreign assistance funds. The government has until midnight Wednesday the 27th to restart payments (and prove it). But they won’t comply. Why not? Among other things, the Government claims it did a "rigorous review" before stopping payments. They also claim they were within their rights to terminate contracts and grants. The appeal means the case now goes to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.?The Appeals Court reviews the case and can "affirm," "reverse," or "remand" (send it back to the previous court for further review). A decision by the Court of Appeals can also be appealed. Then it could go to the Supreme Court (if they take the case). It's anybody's guess what will happen. But in terms of what won't happen? The lifesaving work of PEPFAR and USAID. At least not for now.

??USAID staff in DC have been given time slots to pick up their personal belongings this week. ??They are warned they may not bring ice picks, dynamite, or brass knuckles. ??Given the destruction of the stop-work order, this list (and level of detail) is offensive & absurd. You have to read it to believe it.

Following an order from Elon Musk, the Department of Health and Human Services has required all employees to report on their activities from the past week, reports Dan Diamond of The Washington Post. Technically, the CDC, NIH, and FDA, among others, are HSS operating divisions. Did they also get this email? Even if not. Wow (the bad sort of "wow"). Interestingly, the Post also reports that other Cabinet members refused to comply (e.g., Justice, Defense, State, Energy, Homeland Security, Agriculture). It seems like our new health secretary will follow the Musk company line.

Spark Street Advisors has just launched a new space for analysis on global health, policy, and advocacy. Through our?Substack, we’ll share perspectives on key issues shaping global health and development. Our latest post,?Unfreezing the Freeze on U.S. Foreign Assistance, examines the impact of the foreign aid freeze?on global health programs. We look forward to sharing our insights with you and welcome your thoughts and reactions. Check it out and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gYb8nGdT

The order has come through.??All but "mission critical" USAID staff have now been placed on leave.?While retaining access to their emails, they are not authorized to conduct any agency business or access files.?This order is effective as of 11:59 EST Sunday the 23rd. In other words, immediately.

Since late January, at least 90 confirmed #measles cases have been identified in the growing Texas outbreak. Sixteen of the patients have been hospitalized Rates of vaccination in Texas are below the national average and below the 95% coverage required to control transmission. Welcome to a new era for the USA - the return of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases.

The first half of INB13 negotiations for a #PandemicAccord came to a close last week. What was discussed? Check out our final recap for February below, as well as what to expect for the next round.