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- USAID funding cuts have led to a significant increase in child deaths among displaced communities in northeastern Nigeria.
- The Trump administration’s decision to cut over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall assistance has devastated humanitarian efforts.
- These cuts have halted critical services such as food, shelter, and healthcare, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
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Essential Context
For years, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a crucial component of humanitarian responses, particularly in northeastern Nigeria. However, the recent cuts by the Trump administration have severely impacted these efforts, leading to a dire situation for displaced communities.
Core Players
- USAID – U.S. Agency for International Development
- President Trump – Responsible for the funding cuts
- Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) – Partners in providing humanitarian aid
- Displaced Communities – Primary beneficiaries of USAID’s humanitarian efforts
Key Numbers
- 90% – Percentage of USAID’s foreign aid contracts cut by the Trump administration
- $60 billion – Total reduction in overall assistance worldwide
- 14 million – Children expected to face disruptions in nutrition support and services due to funding cuts
- 4.5 million – Children under five who could die by 2030 due to these cuts
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The Catalyst
The drastic reduction in USAID funding was triggered by the Trump administration’s decision to slash foreign aid, affecting numerous humanitarian programs globally. This move has been particularly devastating in regions like northeastern Nigeria, where USAID was a primary provider of food, shelter, and healthcare.
“We’re seeing babies born again with HIV at rates we haven’t seen before,” said Dr. Atul Gawande, former Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID, highlighting the broader impact of these cuts.
Inside Forces
The funding cuts have disrupted the entire humanitarian ecosystem. Programs aimed at preventing child and maternal deaths, which had reached 93 million women and children under five in 2023, are now at risk. Additionally, initiatives like the deployment of Lenacapavir, a drug that could prevent or treat HIV with a single injection, are being halted.
USAID’s trial of a four-dose pill to prevent tuberculosis and interventions to reduce severe hemorrhage after childbirth are also in jeopardy due to the lack of funding.
Power Dynamics
The Trump administration’s decision has significant power implications. The abrupt cuts have left NGOs and local health systems without the necessary resources to continue their work, exacerbating the vulnerability of displaced communities.
Public health experts and researchers, such as Davide Rasella from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, warn that these cuts will cause permanent damage to the health of the most vulnerable populations.
Outside Impact
The broader implications are dire. The suspension of U.S. funding has already caused 25% of tuberculosis control agencies in 31 countries to halt their work. The World Food Programme (WFP) has closed its office for southern Africa, exposing 27 million people to extreme hunger.
Malaria control programs have also been suspended, risking 15 million additional cases and 107,000 deaths. These cuts are not only affecting health services but also exacerbating poverty, poor hygiene, and sanitation issues.
Future Forces
If the funding is not restored by the end of 2025, the consequences will be catastrophic. More than 176,000 additional adults and children could die from HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other diseases.
Experts predict that up to 14 million people, including 4.5 million children under five, could die by 2030 due to these preventable deaths.
Data Points
- 2023: USAID programs reached 93 million women and children under five.
- 2025: Funding cuts halted critical health interventions, including HIV and tuberculosis prevention.
- 14 million: Estimated deaths by 2030 if funding cuts continue.
- 4.5 million: Children under five at risk of dying by 2030.
- 25%: Tuberculosis control agencies halted due to funding cuts.
The severe impact of USAID funding cuts underscores the critical role of international aid in saving lives and preventing humanitarian crises. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is imperative for global leaders to address these funding gaps to prevent further devastation.
