USAID: the unintended boomerang effect of cuts in US aid 🌍

US foreign policy on development aid is going through a turbulent period. A recent decision has led to a drastic reduction in assistance programs, sparking debates on the implications for the security and prosperity of the United States itself.


USAID, a key agency in the fight against infectious diseases and the promotion of global development, sees its role being questioned. Its interventions, which help prevent pandemics and support vulnerable communities, are facing massive budget cuts.

The consequences of these reductions are already visible. Iconic programs, such as those fighting HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, are being suspended, jeopardizing decades of progress. Local health systems, already fragile, risk collapsing under the pressure.

The impact of these decisions extends beyond US borders. The reduction in foreign aid compromises the global capacity to respond to health crises, increasing the risk of future pandemics. Infectious diseases know no borders, and controlling them at the source is essential for global health security.

US policymakers, from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush, have always recognized the strategic importance of foreign aid. They understood that supporting the health and prosperity of other nations is a direct investment in the security and prosperity of the United States itself. Today, this vision is being challenged, with potentially disastrous consequences for global health and international stability.

Why is foreign aid crucial for global health security?

Foreign aid plays a vital role in preventing pandemics. By supporting health systems in vulnerable countries, it enables the detection and containment of infectious diseases before they spread globally. USAID programs, for example, were decisive in the fight against Ebola in West Africa.

These efforts are not limited to crisis response. They also include surveillance of emerging diseases and strengthening local health infrastructure. This creates a network for rapid detection and response, aiming to prevent epidemics.

Foreign aid also contributes to the political and economic stability of affected regions. Healthy populations are more likely to participate in economic development, thereby reducing the risks of conflicts and mass migrations. This shows that foreign aid is an investment in global security, not just a matter of charity.

How do budget cuts affect the fight against infectious diseases?

Budget cuts in foreign aid have immediate impacts on the fight against infectious diseases. Iconic programs, such as vaccination and HIV/AIDS treatment, are being suspended or reduced, leaving millions of people without access to necessary care.

These cuts also affect disease surveillance capacity. Without funding, laboratories and field teams can no longer function effectively, increasing the risk of undetected disease spread. This undermines global efforts to prevent pandemics.