In brief
In a critical juncture, USAID faces potential cuts amidst political turbulence, leaving millions vulnerable as aid, crucial for health and humanitarian efforts, hangs in the balance.
Dmytro Sherembey, a 24-year HIV survivor in Ukraine, praises the life-saving role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He asserts, “I'm alive thanks to USAID,” which has been pivotal in managing the country's HIV crisis, claiming that every second person living with HIV in Ukraine was identified through its programs. However, the agency faces an uncertain future. Following Donald Trump's return as President, he signed an order halting nearly all foreign assistance for 90 days for a review, labeling USAID as operated by "radical left lunatics" and alleging "tremendous fraud" without evidence. Sherembey, leading 100% Life, Ukraine's largest patient-led organization, recalls the devastation caused by Russia's 2022 invasion, which included the bombing of warehouses containing crucial HIV medications. He emphasizes the importance of USAID's quick response in providing replacement drugs. “USAID's slogan is that this is assistance from the American people. But it turns out that this aid could be stopped by the decision of one person,” he laments.Protests have erupted outside USAID's headquarters in Washington, D.C., reflecting widespread concern over potential cuts to the aid agency, which has operated since 1961 with a budget nearing $40 billion. Critics, including Elon Musk, label USAID a "criminal organization" and call for its dissolution, although concrete plans for shutdown face congressional obstacles. Many rely on USAID for vital programs across various sectors, including health initiatives, agricultural support, and famine relief.In Afghanistan, the halt in funding threatens maternal and child health services. Medical professionals report suspension of salaries and services, warning it will lead to higher mortality rates among mothers and newborns. One midwife anticipates, “If the funding halt continues, mothers will be forced to give birth at home as the facilities are closed.”The repercussions extend to cybersecurity initiatives as well, particularly in countries like Iran, where groups funded by USAID protect arrested activists by securing their communications. The future for such organizations is perilous amid funding uncertainty, with activists expressing fears of losing critical support for their operations.In Egypt, students receiving USAID scholarships, like Mohamed Ashraf, voice their apprehension, stating, “I feel like I don't know my fate. I was once a top student with a bright future, but now my future looks dark.” As Trump criticizes overseas spending and pushes for a merger of USAID with the Department of State, the fate of the agency remains undecided. Sherembey underscores the urgency: “If my hospital runs out of this medication, I will have to search for it elsewhere. It is barbaric that we have returned to the Stone Age.”
