U.S.-Funded Health Projects Receive Termination Notices
U.S. Review of Foreign Aid
U.S.-funded health projects around the world, including those providing lifesaving care, received termination notices from Washington on Thursday as President Donald Trump’s administration neared completion of a review to ensure grants are aligned with its "America First" policy.
90-Day Pause on Foreign Aid
Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid in January pending assessments of how projects were consistent with this foreign policy.
Secretary of State’s Response
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed concerns that Washington is ending foreign aid, saying waivers had been provided to life-saving aid.
Termination of Programs
Only weeks later, the administration decided to terminate more than 90% of the programs globally, according to a February 25 court document, including many that were initially covered by waivers such as work tackling HIV as well as wider health programs.
Affected Organizations
Several of the largest U.S.-funded HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa were told that their funding would not resume, according to three senior leaders at health organizations, while a global non-profit that works on malaria and maternal and newborn health had the majority of its contracts cancelled. UNAIDS, the United Nations agency tackling HIV and AIDS, had its contract with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) cancelled, documents reviewed by Reuters showed. Khana in Cambodia, an HIV and TB organization, also got a termination notice, according to a source familiar with its work.
Impact on South Africa
Some of the programs that were cut in South Africa provided HIV/AIDS services to vulnerable groups such as LGBT+ people and sex workers. Others provided HIV testing and services to the general population, said Francois Venter, executive director of the Ezintsha Research Centre in Johannesburg, which is not funded by USAID. South Africa has the world’s largest number of people living with HIV, at around 8 million.
Reaction from International AIDS Society
International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, referring to cuts worldwide, said: "The U.S. funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line." Her organization is not affected directly.
Conclusion
The termination of U.S.-funded health projects has sent shockwaves around the world, with many organizations and individuals affected by the sudden loss of funding. The impact is particularly devastating in South Africa, where the cut programs were providing critical services to vulnerable populations.
FAQs
Q: How many organizations were affected by the funding cuts?
A: The exact number is unknown, as the U.S. State Department did not provide a specific figure.
Q: What were the criteria for termination?
A: The notice received by organizations stated that the U.S. Secretary of State and USAID Deputy Administrator determined that the program was not aligned with agency priorities and was not in the national interest.
Q: Will the affected organizations receive alternative funding?
A: It is unclear at this time whether the affected organizations will receive alternative funding or support to continue their work.