Steep Funding Cuts to USAID Threaten to Reverse Decades of Health Progress

Steep funding cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) risk undoing decades of progress, potentially causing over 1.4 crore preventable deaths by 2030, according to a recent study in The Lancet. A significant portion of these deaths could involve children under five, the study warns.

Authors of the study indicate that for many low and middle-income nations, the effects of such cuts could resemble a 'global pandemic' or 'major armed conflict.' The agency, under President Donald Trump, terminated 83% of its programs, thereby seriously endangering the health advancements in these vulnerable regions.

The study credits USAID-supported initiatives with preventing over nine crore deaths, benefiting especially children, over two decades. These programs achieved a notable reduction in diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. The research marks a comprehensive assessment of USAID's impact in saving lives globally.

(With inputs from agencies.)