Impact of USAID Funding Freeze: What It Means for Health Care and Blue-Collar Jobs in America

With only a day left until the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) begins placing most of its foreign aid workers on leave, concerns are rising about the impact on both global health and local communities.

Programs that provide health clinics, clean drinking water, and food assistance to those in need will likely come to a stop. This will affect many vulnerable populations worldwide.

The agency announced that starting Friday at midnight, nearly all direct hires will be on leave, with only essential workers remaining. Critics, including officials from the Trump administration, have labeled USAID as a source of wasteful spending.

Dr. Joia Mukherjee, chief medical officer at Partners in Health, emphasized the risk of infectious diseases spreading. She highlighted that if someone carrying drug-resistant tuberculosis were to travel, it could pose a grave threat.

Her organization relies on about 10% of its funding from USAID, employing numerous community health workers, mainly women, in countries like Haiti. The looming aid cuts could leave these workers without jobs, making it difficult for them to care for their families, pay for education, or even afford basic food.

Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa echoed some of these concerns, suggesting that USAID funds have benefited wealthy individuals overseas. However, a recent analysis showed that USAID funding also supports American jobs, particularly in agriculture. In 2020, the agency spent $2.1 billion on food aid sourced from American farmers.

Nick Levendofsky, head of the Kansas Farmers Union, voiced his support for USAID. He noted that many local farmers are already facing financial challenges due to rising costs and declining prices for their products. They rely on these programs to help sustain their livelihoods.

The Trump administration also announced that employees stationed internationally will have 30 days to return to the U.S. Those with special circumstances, like children needing to finish school, may apply for waivers to stay longer.

Still, the memo from USAID did not clarify which workers are deemed essential. The uncertainty leaves many worried about the future of crucial health programs and the families that depend on them.

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