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Novartis CEO says U.S. exit from global health programmes to affect millions

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on January 31, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 26, 2026

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Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan discusses U.S. exit from global health programs - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image features Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan addressing concerns about the U.S. withdrawal from global health programs, emphasizing its impact on millions relying on critical health initiatives.
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FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The American CEO of Swiss drugmaker Novartis on Friday warned that the United States' exit from the World Health Organization and related programmes risks harming millions of

Novartis CEO Warns U.S. Withdrawal from Health Programs Could Impact Millions

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The American CEO of Swiss drugmaker Novartis on Friday warned that the United States' exit from the World Health Organization and related programmes risks harming millions of people worldwide.

"I don't think there's a lot of logic in stopping these programmes, (some of which were) actually started by Republican administrations, ... given the millions of people who rely on these programmes to get the medicines that they need," CEO Vas Narasimhan said at a news conference after the release of quarterly financial results.

There is a lot of pressure on initiatives that have lost funding, including a U.S. push to fight HIV/AIDS and malaria abroad, he said.

The CEO added the company and its own global commitments, such as work on neglected tropical diseases, were not affected.

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Thomas Seythal)

Key Takeaways

  • Novartis CEO warns of US exit from WHO.
  • Millions may be affected by halted health programs.
  • Programs at risk include HIV/AIDS and malaria initiatives.
  • US withdrawal lacks logic, says CEO Vas Narasimhan.
  • Novartis' commitments to global health remain unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Novartis CEO say about the U.S. exit from health programs?
The CEO warned that the U.S. exit from the World Health Organization and related programs risks harming millions of people who rely on these initiatives.
What specific health initiatives are at risk due to U.S. funding cuts?
There is significant pressure on initiatives that have lost funding, particularly those aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS and malaria abroad.
How is Novartis affected by the U.S. withdrawal from global health programs?
The CEO stated that Novartis' own global commitments, such as work on neglected tropical diseases, are not affected by the U.S. withdrawal.

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