The Trump administration is proposing to terminate 86% of USAID programmes, a move that could potentially devastate global health initiatives and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Sweeping Cuts Target Critical Global Health Initiatives
According to internal documents, the administration plans to eliminate 5,341 programmes totalling $75.9 billion, leaving only 898 programmes focused on what officials describe as “strategic and life-saving aid.”
Key targets of the proposed cuts include:
- Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which provides vaccines to millions of children in impoverished regions
- World Health Organisation‘s polio and immunisation programme
- UNAIDS and other critical health service organisations
Potential Catastrophic Consequences
Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, warned of dire implications. “A cut in Gavi’s funding from the US would have a disastrous impact on global health security, potentially resulting in the deaths of over a million children over five years,” she stated.
Financial Breakdown
- Total programme cuts: $75.9 billion
- Already obligated funds: $48.2 billion
- Unobligated funds: $27.7 billion
- State Department programme cuts: 2,100 programmes ($4.6 billion)
UNAIDS Faces Significant Challenges
The cuts to UNAIDS are particularly severe:
- 40% of total annual revenue lost
- $50 million in core funding terminated
- An additional $40 million in non-core funding was eliminated
Executive Director Winnie Byanyima acknowledged that the organisation is facing difficult decisions about its future.
Legal Uncertainty Remains
It remains unclear whether the Trump administration has the authority to implement these cuts, as funding is ultimately allocated by Congress. Dr. Nishtar noted that Congress has already approved $300 million for Gavi’s activities this year.
Some Programmes Survive
Not all programmes are on the chopping block. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria remains funded, with a $13.4 billion award preserved.
Ebola Response Controversy
The cuts come amid ongoing controversy surrounding the U.S. Ebola response. Nicholas Enrich, former acting assistant administrator for global health at USAID, testified to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs about the alleged mishandling of the Uganda Ebola response, including blocked payments and stranded health supplies.
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