USAID Cuts Threaten African Health Systems Amid Malaria, Cholera Surge

Health officials from Native American communities are sounding alarms as Congress considers significant cuts to federal Medicaid funding, which is crucial for facilities like the Oneida Community Health Center in Wisconsin. Medicaid accounts for about two-thirds of third-party revenue for tribal health providers, essential for maintaining operations and providing services to those in need. Tribal leaders are advocating for Congress to exempt tribes from these cuts, emphasizing that Medicaid supports the federal government's obligations to provide healthcare to Native Americans. Meanwhile, in Africa, the withdrawal of USAID funding has led to the closure of numerous health clinics, particularly in Nigeria's conflict-affected Borno State, leaving vulnerable populations without access to critical care. Health workers report that these closures have resulted in the loss of essential services, including free medications and malaria prevention resources, exacerbating health crises as disease transmission peaks. Experts warn that the poorest communities in remote areas will bear the brunt of these funding cuts, risking increased mortality rates from preventable conditions.