Can US foreign aid cuts lead to over 14 million preventable deaths globally by 2030?
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Synopsis
A recent study published in The Lancet warns that cuts to U.S. foreign aid could result in over 14 million preventable deaths globally by 2030. This includes alarming projections of more than 4.5 million child fatalities. The implications could reverse decades of health progress in vulnerable populations worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. foreign aid cuts could lead to over 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.
- Over 4.5 million children under five are at risk of dying due to these cuts.
- USAID programs previously prevented 91 million deaths globally.
- Countries with high USAID support saw significant reductions in mortality rates from critical diseases.
- Ongoing cuts threaten to reverse two decades of health progress.
New Delhi, July 1 (NationPress) The dismantling of U.S. foreign aid, initiated by the Donald Trump administration, could result in over 14 million additional preventable deaths globally by 2030, including more than 4.5 million children under five, according to a study published in The Lancet on Tuesday.
The research estimates that the development programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) prevented 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with around 30 million of those being children.
USAID, recognized as the largest funding entity for humanitarian and development aid globally, was credited with a 15 percent reduction in all-cause mortality and a 32 percent decrease in mortality among children under five.
However, recent cuts to U.S. aid could jeopardize these advancements, as highlighted by the global study.
This warning emerges following the Trump administration's cancellation of 83 percent of all USAID programs, as stated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March.
“Our forecasts suggest that these reductions could lead to a significant rise in preventable deaths, particularly in the most vulnerable nations. They threaten to abruptly halt - and even reverse - two decades of health progress for at-risk populations. The resulting shock would be comparable to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict for many low- and middle-income countries,” remarked Davide Rasella, ICREA Research Professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Spain.
The study is based on an analysis of data from 133 countries, including a retrospective assessment from 2001 to 2021 and forecasting models predicting impacts through 2030.
The findings indicated that countries receiving substantial support experienced significant improvements in critical disease areas: mortality from HIV/AIDS fell by 74 percent, malaria by 53 percent, and neglected tropical diseases by 51 percent, compared to nations with minimal or no USAID funding.
Notable reductions were also recorded in deaths from tuberculosis, nutritional deficiencies, diarrheal diseases, lower respiratory infections, and maternal and perinatal conditions.
If the funding cuts persist, over 14 million additional fatalities might occur by 2030, including about 700,000 extra child fatalities each year, the researchers warned.
Point of View
I believe that the implications of U.S. foreign aid cuts are profound. The potential for millions of preventable deaths, especially among vulnerable populations, is a pressing concern that warrants immediate attention and action. We must advocate for policies that prioritize health and humanitarian assistance globally.
NationPress
01/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the Lancet study?
The study indicates that cuts to U.S. foreign aid could lead to over 14 million additional preventable deaths globally by 2030.
How many child deaths are projected due to these cuts?
The projections estimate that about 4.5 million children under five could die as a result of the aid cuts.
What impact did USAID programs have from 2001 to 2021?
USAID programs prevented 91 million deaths in low- and middle-income countries, including approximately 30 million among children.
What diseases saw a reduction in mortality due to USAID support?
Mortality from HIV/AIDS, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases saw significant reductions, among others.
What are the potential global consequences of continued aid cuts?
The consequences could be comparable to those of a global pandemic or major armed conflict, affecting health progress in fragile countries.
