Afghan men, masked to curb the spread of COVID-19, stand in line for food rations from the UN World Food Program (WFP). These essential provisions, primarily sourced from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), were distributed on January 17, 2022, in Pul-e Alam, Afghanistan. With over half of Afghanistan’s population at risk of famine due to drought and the harsh winter, the situation remains dire as the UN seeks $5.5 billion to alleviate the crisis.
Scott Peterson/Getty ImagesGetty Images Europe

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Scott Peterson/Getty Images/Getty Images Europe

Essential services like schools, vaccination programs, medical supplies, and literacy initiatives are at risk due to cuts proposed by the Trump administration to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Recently, a federal judge imposed a temporary halt on plans to dismiss 2,200 staff. The Trump administration has claimed there is rampant waste within the agency and criticized the funding of programs that do not align with U.S. foreign policy. Shortly after his inauguration, almost all agency programs were placed on a 90-day review freeze. Consequently, USAID saw its status as an independent entity come to an end.

Initially created by John F. Kennedy in 1961 during the Cold War, USAID currently provides humanitarian aid and development assistance in over 100 countries. Supporters assert that the agency plays a crucial role in saving lives, enhancing civil society, and promoting democracy, portraying a softer image of the U.S. on the global stage compared to military interventions.

USAID has been scrutinized for inefficiency and accusations of not adequately assessing its program effectiveness. Funding often goes out in the form of grants and is frequently subcontracted to various NGOs. Critics argue that due to the significant U.S. contractor involvement and bureaucratic overhead, a mere fraction of the funds reaches the intended beneficiaries. The agency has also faced allegations of serving as a channel for U.S. political interests in foreign nations.

While many USAID staff acknowledge a need for reform and were open to collaborating with the current administration, one senior official, who wished to remain anonymous, condemned the administration’s approach as a damaging “hatchet job.”

Impact on Global Communities: An Overview

Ukraine: Essential Funding Amid Conflict

Since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, Ukraine has emerged as the largest beneficiary of USAID assistance, receiving $37 billion within the past three years, impacting nearly every aspect of life in the country.

This financial influx has enabled salaries for emergency service workers, provided farmers with necessary supplies and facilitated the reconstruction of Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure.

Oleksandr Merezhko, an MP from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party, emphasizes the lifeline this funding has provided, particularly for programs benefitting war veterans and healthcare initiatives.

However, the anticipated cuts at USAID are already manifesting on the ground. Olena Horyacheva, leading a medical charity in Mykolaiv, noted that vital treatment programs for tuberculosis and HIV are no longer operating, drastically affecting access to care.

Media outlets in Ukraine are also feeling the strain. A media advocacy group suggests that “9 out of 10 outlets rely on USAID support,” and one affected website reported that 60% of its budget came from USAID funds. The editor voiced concerns about the impending financial gap, which risks leaving them unable to maintain operations amid a surge of misinformation online.

South Africa: The Fight Against HIV

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa bears the highest number of individuals living with HIV globally, estimated to be over 8 million. However, with aid from USAID’s President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the nation has made substantial progress in prevention and treatment.

The ramifications of potential funding cuts are being sensed acutely among vulnerable populations.

The Engage Men’s Health clinic in Johannesburg recently posted a sign indicating a temporary closure, highlighting the impact of funding issues on crucial health services.

Individuals attending the clinic, many of whom rely on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV transmission, express deep concern over these disruptions in healthcare services.

While the South African government funds the majority of antiretroviral medication, around 17% of its HIV funding, translating to approximately $440 million yearly, comes from PEPFAR. The anticipated cuts could lead to job losses for an estimated 15,000 healthcare workers.

Experts warn that neglecting prevention services could reverse progress made against the HIV epidemic, particularly in poorer nations reliant on PEPFAR assistance.

Latin America: Mixed Reactions to USAID Cuts

Some leaders in Latin America have expressed cautious approval of the Trump administration’s stance on USAID. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the agency, asserting its transparency is lacking and that “it’s better that they close it down.”

On the other hand, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele applauded the news, claiming that USAID funds are often redirected towards opposition groups and politically-motivated NGOs.

Both El Salvador and Mexico have accused U.S.-funded organizations of meddling in internal matters, particularly those that expose corruption or human rights violations.

In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro vocalized his disapproval, stating that U.S. funds should not support public employees in his nation. He stated, “Trump is right; take your money.”

This skepticism towards USAID stems from its reputation for promoting interventions disguised under the guise of democracy, often favoring NGOs over direct government support.

USAID funding is frequently funneled to contractors and NGOs rather than directly to beneficiary states, leading to skepticism regarding its effectiveness and intentions.

South and Central Asia: A Decline in Educational Support

MUMBAI, India — In Afghanistan, a humanitarian crisis continues as critical educational initiatives supported by USAID, including clandestine schools for girls, have been suspended. These establishments aimed to provide education to girls barred from attending school due to Taliban policies.

In addition to educational support, USAID has funded initiatives to empower women, including training for female journalists aimed at fostering accurate storytelling about Afghan women’s experiences amid oppressive conditions.

The future of these efforts is now uncertain following the suspension of funds—a situation that severely hampers the agency’s ability to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.

In Bangladesh, USAID has funded a range of critical projects, from vaccination initiatives to food security programs, as well as educational resources that promote acceptance and empathy among children through local adaptations of Sesame Street, previously funded by the agency in conflict zones.

A doctor involved in tuberculosis screening programs remarked that the cuts would lead to dire health consequences, signaling the urgent need for continued support for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Contributions from Ahmade Hussain in Dhaka and Polina Lytvynova in Kyiv have been invaluable to this reporting.