Apoovva Mandavilli reports on alarming estimates from U.S.A.I.D. about the fallout of foreign aid cuts, detailing the expected rise in infectious diseases and child malnutrition.
U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Projected to Cause Dire Health Consequences
U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Projected to Cause Dire Health Consequences
U.S.A.I.D. officials warn that the reduction of foreign aid could drastically increase global health crises, with projections highlighting potential malaria and polio cases.
The Trump administration's decision to significantly reduce foreign aid and scale back operations at the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) is forecasted to lead to catastrophic consequences for global health, as detailed in memos from agency officials. Whistle-blower Nicholas Enrich, the acting assistant administrator for global health, revealed estimates indicating that up to 18 million more malaria infections could arise annually, potentially resulting in an additional 166,000 deaths. Moreover, the cutbacks could cause around 200,000 children to be paralyzed by polio each year and leave millions without necessary care for severe acute malnutrition, which poses a fatal risk.
In the memos obtained by The New York Times, Enrich attributed this looming public health crisis to changes in political leadership within U.S.A.I.D. and accompanying obstacles that hinder the delivery and implementation of vital aid programs. He claimed that those in leadership roles have inhibited effective payment systems, revised criteria for identifying lifesaving activities, and led to the drastic reduction of the agency's workforce from 783 to under 70 personnel in a span of just weeks.
After his administrative leave was announced, Enrich took to releasing these memos to clarify the agency’s struggles in providing essential humanitarian assistance, indicating a constant inability to execute necessary lifesaving programs due to political turbulence within the agency. He contends that the operational changes have prevented staff from addressing critical health issues, which could lead to a surge in humanitarian crises if not swiftly revised.
In the memos obtained by The New York Times, Enrich attributed this looming public health crisis to changes in political leadership within U.S.A.I.D. and accompanying obstacles that hinder the delivery and implementation of vital aid programs. He claimed that those in leadership roles have inhibited effective payment systems, revised criteria for identifying lifesaving activities, and led to the drastic reduction of the agency's workforce from 783 to under 70 personnel in a span of just weeks.
After his administrative leave was announced, Enrich took to releasing these memos to clarify the agency’s struggles in providing essential humanitarian assistance, indicating a constant inability to execute necessary lifesaving programs due to political turbulence within the agency. He contends that the operational changes have prevented staff from addressing critical health issues, which could lead to a surge in humanitarian crises if not swiftly revised.
