U.S. Administration Cuts Major Global Health Funding, Retains Some Aid Programs

The U.S. Agency for International Development has detailed extensive cutbacks on vaccine funding and health programs, continuing only essential aid for H.I.V. and tuberculosis.

The Trump administration is marking a substantial retreat from its longstanding commitment to global health initiatives, according to a recent report. The U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) announced plans to halt financial support for Gavi, a crucial organization combating childhood diseases through vaccine procurement, which has saved millions over the past 25 years.

Additionally, the administration is also reducing its support for global malaria intervention efforts, which have been vital in addressing one of the world's most significant health challenges. A newly released 281-page spreadsheet, obtained by The New York Times, lists the foreign aid programs that will continue versus those that will be terminated.

While the administration is choosing to maintain funding for essential H.I.V. and tuberculosis treatment programs and providing food assistance to regions affected by conflict and natural disasters, the scale of the cuts to U.S.A.I.D. remains staggering. Most of U.S.A.I.D.'s funding is being eliminated, with over 5,341 out of more than 6,000 projects slated for termination. The report reveals that only 869 employees remain active within the agency.

In total, while 898 awards will continue, the remaining initiative budgets amount to about $78 billion. However, only $8.3 billion of this sum consists of unobligated funds, indicating a drastic change from the previous annual expenditure of $40 billion by U.S.A.I.D. This shift poses questions about the future role of the United States as a leader in global health and humanitarian support.