All articles tagged with #usaid
As Ebola cases rise in Africa, public health experts warn that Trump-era moves—dismantling USAID, exiting the WHO, and cutting CDC funding—could weaken global disease surveillance and rapid-response networks just as outbreaks intensify, despite U.S. claims of strengthened on-the-ground efforts; experts say effective containment requires not only equipment and clinics but trusted community engagement and robust public health infrastructure.
A previously undetected Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak is spreading in the DRC with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of deaths, including spillover to Uganda and potential risk to South Sudan. The WHO has declared a public health emergency of international concern as experts warn that sweeping U.S. public health cuts—dissolving USAID, layoffs at health agencies, and withdrawing from WHO—have weakened surveillance, labs, and response capacity, raising the chance of wider spread. Critics say travel bans are ineffective and that the U.S. is no longer at the table, underscoring calls for renewed funding to stop the outbreak.
Public health experts say cuts to U.S. foreign aid and the shutdown of USAID have strained Ebola response capacity, causing shortages of masks, testing components, and staff as the Bundibugyo outbreak spreads from the DRC to Uganda; WHO called it an international concern while CDC/WHO teams are stretched thin and containment is at risk. As of May 19 there are 530+ confirmed cases and 134 deaths, with no vaccine or treatment, raising the possibility of further spread including to the United States if not contained.
One year after the Trump-era dismantling of USAID, a Lancet study projects that ongoing global aid cuts could cause about 9.4 million more deaths by 2030 (about 2.5 million under age 5) vs maintaining 2023 funding; deeper cuts could raise deaths to 22.6 million. Using data from 93 low- and middle-income countries, the analysis credits overseas aid with major declines in child mortality and infectious diseases, while warning that current and planned cuts are already weakening health systems as clinics close and mortality data gaps emerge. Some donors argue for reform of the aid system and route funds through recipient governments; the study notes it doesn’t fully account for philanthropic or national countermeasures that could mitigate harms.
A South African-led HIV vaccine trial faced a funding freeze after USAID cut support, prompting researchers to pivot to local funding sources and scale back the study to a South Africa–based trial in Cape Town, with recruitment underway as scientists pursue a vaccine strategy based on broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Trump unveils an $11.1 billion, five-year “America First Global Health Strategy” to replace USAID by sending money directly to foreign governments, health organizations, and drug makers—primarily in Africa—with a focus on HIV/AIDS, malaria, TB, and maternal health, aiming to boost U.S. influence while bypassing NGOs, though critics warn of corruption and data-tracking risks.
The abrupt US aid cuts through USAID have led to a power vacuum in global health, which anti-rights groups are exploiting by promoting conservative policies and alternative services that threaten reproductive rights and health, especially in developing countries. These efforts include the Geneva Consensus Declaration and the Protego project, aiming to restrict access to abortion and comprehensive sexuality education, potentially increasing maternal mortality and unsafe abortions worldwide.
Trump officials celebrated after slashing aid to South Sudan, despite warnings that these cuts would worsen a deadly cholera outbreak, which resulted in thousands of deaths and the collapse of vital health services in the region.
US foreign aid, primarily through USAID, has saved approximately three million lives annually by funding programs against HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and vaccines, despite being a small share of national income. Recent aid cuts threaten these life-saving efforts, highlighting the importance of informed public support for foreign assistance.
The role of acting USAID administrator has been handed from Rubio to OMB Director Vought, who now oversees the agency's final wind down amid ongoing efforts to reduce federal aid programs, following Trump's administration's efforts to control and cut USAID operations.
The article details the chaotic and inefficient disposal of US foreign aid equipment and supplies following the Trump administration's cancellation of over 5,000 aid projects, leading to auctions, abandonment, and potential security risks, with little transparency or proper oversight.
A U.S. appeals court reversed a lower court decision, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with billions in foreign aid cuts, citing lack of standing by nonprofits to sue and sidestepping constitutional questions.
The Trump administration plans to destroy $9.7 million worth of contraceptives stored in Belgium after defunding U.S.A.I.D., causing international concern and potential loss of vital reproductive health resources for poor countries, with European governments seeking alternatives to prevent the destruction.
A USAID analysis found no evidence of widespread aid diversion by Hamas in Gaza, challenging previous claims by the Trump administration. The report analyzed over 150 incidents of aid theft or loss but could not definitively identify perpetrators, despite accusations from Israel and the U.S. government. The situation remains complex amid ongoing conflict and aid distribution challenges in Gaza.
The House narrowly approved a $9 billion budget cut requested by President Trump, affecting foreign aid and public broadcasting, with the measure now heading to Trump's desk for signature amid bipartisan concerns and debates.