Apoorva Mandavilli’s report highlights the severe consequences of the Trump administration's recent decision to freeze foreign aid for a period of 90 days, effectively taking down a complex support system that provided essential services such as H.I.V. medications to over 20 million individuals, malnutrition assistance for children, and crucial support for refugees and women affected by violence.
The freeze has already caused mass confusion and disruption among aid organizations, including significant staff reductions and operational cutbacks. Many small organizations have entirely shut down, while larger entities, like Catholic Relief Services and FHI 360, have laid off or furloughed substantial percentages of their workforce.
Mitchell Warren, the executive director of AVAC, emphasizes the rapid disintegration of vital institutional knowledge and the trust built over decades in both the U.S. and recipient countries. With many other nations struggling economically or in conflict, it's unlikely that they will be able to compensate for the lost American aid, leaving countless communities facing dire consequences for their already fragile circumstances. As the effects of these cuts begin to ripple through global networks, there is growing concern about the long-term impact on health and social services worldwide.
The freeze has already caused mass confusion and disruption among aid organizations, including significant staff reductions and operational cutbacks. Many small organizations have entirely shut down, while larger entities, like Catholic Relief Services and FHI 360, have laid off or furloughed substantial percentages of their workforce.
Mitchell Warren, the executive director of AVAC, emphasizes the rapid disintegration of vital institutional knowledge and the trust built over decades in both the U.S. and recipient countries. With many other nations struggling economically or in conflict, it's unlikely that they will be able to compensate for the lost American aid, leaving countless communities facing dire consequences for their already fragile circumstances. As the effects of these cuts begin to ripple through global networks, there is growing concern about the long-term impact on health and social services worldwide.
