### "Future of US Foreign Aid in Jeopardy: Personal Accounts Highlight Dire Consequences"

**Dmytro Sherembey, an HIV-positive advocate from Ukraine, describes how US foreign aid saved him, while others share fears of losing vital support as political winds shift.**

 

"I'm alive thanks to USAID," declares Dmytro Sherembey, reflecting on the critical role the agency has played in his life as an HIV-positive individual in Ukraine. For 24 years, he has relied on this aid to manage his condition, asserting that the agency's efforts have been crucial in identifying half of the country’s HIV-positive population. However, uncertainty hangs in the air as the future of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) looks increasingly precarious.

The challenges intensified when former President Donald Trump paused nearly all foreign aid after his return to office, sparking fears among those dependent on these funds. He has criticized USAID, claiming it is mismanaged, dismissing it as run by "radical left lunatics" while offering no substantial evidence for his claims. In Ukraine, Sherembey recalls the devastating impact of Russia's military actions in 2022, which included bombing essential storage facilities for HIV medication. Yet, he credits USAID with swiftly providing replacement medicines to those in need.

USAID, established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, operates with a budget nearing $40 billion and employs around 10,000 staff globally, assisting various countries with programs ranging from humanitarian aid to development initiatives. However, it primarily relies on partnerships with other organizations for on-the-ground support. Staff members are already facing layoffs as the agency prepares for potential funding reductions.

Critics, including influential figures like Elon Musk, have called for the dismantling of USAID, labeling the agency as a "criminal organization." Such sentiments have fostered anxiety, especially in nations heavily reliant on USAID for health care and basic services. For instance, in Afghanistan, where USAID funds significant health sector initiatives, medical professionals report being told to remain home due to funding pauses, jeopardizing the health of countless mothers and children.

The reach of USAID extends beyond health, impacting areas such as cybersecurity in oppressive regimes. One Iranian activist fears that ongoing projects to protect civil society and human rights could collapse if funds are frozen. The ripple effect of funding cuts also threatens educational opportunities, with students like Mohamed Ashraf in Egypt uncertain about their future due to changes in scholarship programs.

Despite Trump's long-standing criticism of overseas spending, it remains unclear whether his administration can fully terminate or simply restructure USAID, which may require Congressional approval. With political tensions rising, Sherembey's situation epitomizes the urgency felt by many who stand to lose their lifeline. He underscores the dire reality for individuals reliant on medication, affirming that "HIV-positive people here have no alternatives."

As discussions continue about the fate of USAID, the lives and futures of countless individuals hang in the balance.