U.S. Slashes Global Aid: Impact on Public Health Initiatives

The Trump administration plans to cut U.S. funding for Gavi and scale back malaria efforts according to a USAID document. While some health aid remains, such as for HIV and tuberculosis, the document reveals drastic reductions aligning with 'America First' policy, affecting global aid initiatives.

The Trump administration is set to withdraw U.S. financial support from Gavi, an entity that facilitates vaccine procurement for children in impoverished nations. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to roll back international efforts against malaria, as shown in a USAID document.

The report, reviewed by Reuters, outlines which international aid programs will face termination and which will endure. The shift in foreign aid priorities signals an extensive withdrawal, with nearly 80% of contracts discontinued to fulfill the administration's 'America First' agenda.

The document details active programs and anticipated expenditures amounting to $78 billion; however, it also indicates the cessation of 5,341 grants amounting to $76 billion. The cuts have sparked widespread concern over their implications for global stability and public health.

(With inputs from agencies.)