Global Impact of US Foreign Aid Freeze: What It Means for Nations Worldwide – DW, January 31, 2025

“We didn’t see this coming,” said Roshan Pokhrel, Nepal’s Secretary of Health. Earlier this week, he received a call announcing the end of all US-funded programs in Nepal.

Programs aimed at nutrition and maternal health are likely to face significant disruptions, which is a concern for officials like Pokhrel.

Shortly after taking office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing US development funds for 90 days. His administration wants to reassess whether these projects truly align with US interests.

Impact on Health Initiatives

One of the key projects affected is the Nepal National Vitamin A Program. This initiative relies on thousands of health workers who travel to remote areas to provide vitamin A capsules to over 3 million children.

This program has been running since the 1990s and is credited with saving around 45,000 lives among children under five. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious health issues, including blindness and increased risk of diseases like measles and malaria.

Funding Focus

Trump’s “America First” policy aims to ensure that only projects proving beneficial to US security are funded going forward. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the previous administration for its spending habits, claiming it was reckless. She emphasized the need for better management of taxpayer dollars.

Some statements made about funding allocations have raised eyebrows. For example, Leavitt mentioned a claim about US funds going towards condoms in Gaza, but sources have challenged that assertion.

Widespread Effects

The US is the largest global donor of development aid, providing $68 billion in 2023 alone. According to political scientist Stephan Klingebiel, halting such aid suddenly will have immediate, harmful effects on people relying on these resources.

Programs affected include vital aid for refugees in Syria, support for war-injured individuals in Ukraine, and demining efforts in Sudan. Many NGOs and aid organizations are scrambling to understand the full extent of the cuts. While military aid to Israel and Egypt remains unaffected, many other critical projects are in jeopardy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has allowed a waiver for essential humanitarian aid, ensuring that life-saving programs, such as those for HIV treatment, can continue despite the freeze.

Concerns in Botswana

Nozizwe Ntesang, an LGBTQ+ rights activist in Botswana, has expressed deep concerns for health services amid funding interruptions. Her organization relies heavily on US support, especially through PEPFAR, a program that has saved millions with antiretroviral drugs since its launch in 2003.

With decreased access to treatment, Ntesang fears for the well-being of thousands. In the absence of patients in drop-in clinics, she noted how serious the situation is.

Global Implications

The suspension of US funding raises questions about alternatives. Countries like Germany may not have the capacity to fill the gap left by the US. Klingebiel speculates that nations such as China could benefit from the US’s reduced influence, particularly in regions like Africa.

Some leaders see the funding freeze as a chance for self-reliance. Former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta encouraged nations to reflect on how they can help themselves rather than depend on external aid.

Pokhrel from Nepal acknowledged the hard-earned nature of US taxpayer money but expressed hope that the funding will resume soon, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global health efforts.

This article was translated from German.