NIH terminates $82 million outbreak research network, weakening pandemic preparedness

In 2020 the National Institutes of Health created a network of ten centers to expand knowledge on re‑emerging and emerging infectious diseases. The program was funded with $82 million over five years to streamline the development of diagnostics and treatments.

In May 2025 the agency announced that the grants would be terminated as part of broader cuts targeting Covid‑19 and pandemic preparedness work. The Trump administration deemed the network unsafe for Americans and not a good use of taxpayer money, leaving $14.9 million of the allocated funds unspent.

Researchers involved in the centers say the cuts have damaged relationships with international experts they had built over years. While the network was never on the front lines like the CDC or USAID, its loss has left the United States less prepared to respond to recent Ebola and hantavirus outbreaks.

The termination highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining a coordinated research infrastructure for emerging infectious threats.