USAID Cuts Health Contracts, Threatens Global Services

The Trump administration has announced significant terminations of U.S.-funded health programs worldwide, impacting lifesaving services due to a review to align foreign aid with its 'America First' policy. Following a 90-day pause on all foreign aid initiated in January, over 90% of programs were cut, including critical healthcare initiatives addressing HIV, malaria, and maternal health, despite earlier assurances that such programs would be protected through waivers. Major entities like UNAIDS and various organizations in South Africa and Cambodia have received termination notices, leading to widespread concern about the implications for global health. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have stated that many of these programs were deemed not aligned with national interests. The exact criteria for these terminations remain unclear, as the U.S. State Department has not provided further details. The cuts have raised alarm within the global aid community, with many organizations struggling to maintain operations amidst funding losses.