Donald Trump’s administration has made deep cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), sparking warnings from global health experts about potential worldwide consequences. The cuts include slashing the agency’s workforce and freezing key aid programs that fund clean water, HIV treatment, and women’s health initiatives.
USAID is the world’s largest humanitarian donor, spending over $40 million in 2023 alone. Experts warn that scaling back funding could lead to the resurgence of diseases like cholera and malaria, which had previously been contained. Dr. Tom Wingfield emphasized that “diseases don’t respect borders,” warning that the spread of infections will only worsen with climate change and mass migration.
In South Africa, some HIV services have already been suspended, leading to public outrage. Professor Peter Taylor noted that “stopping things suddenly undermines people’s trust” and damages the U.S.’s global reputation. Meanwhile, Professor Rosa Freedman cautioned that “preventable diseases could reappear or worsen” as vaccine distribution is affected.
A judge has temporarily blocked Trump’s attempt to place over 2,000 USAID workers on paid leave, reinstating 500 employees until at least February 14. The legal battle over these cuts is ongoing, but concerns remain that Trump’s policies could lead to a significant global health crisis.
