Dr. Atul Gawande, a prominent American surgeon and public health researcher, has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s 90-day ‘Stop Work Order’ on foreign assistance.
He warned that this sweeping pause would have severe repercussions for global health, halting critical programs and initiatives that impact millions of people worldwide.
Gawande highlighted the dire consequences of the order, which suspends efforts to combat deadly disease outbreaks and vital health programs that millions rely on.
Impact on Disease Control Efforts
The suspension of foreign aid has directly affected efforts to contain and control infectious diseases.
For instance, it has halted work to control a Marburg virus outbreak in Tanzania and the fight against a dangerous mpox variant that is claiming the lives of children in West Africa.
Gawande further pointed out that the freeze stops the monitoring of bird flu in 49 countries, despite recent fatalities in the United States linked to the disease.
Disruption to Disease Eradication Programs
The freeze has also disrupted crucial initiatives aimed at eradicating diseases such as polio, river blindness, and elephantiasis, which were on the brink of elimination in several regions.
This pause jeopardizes the progress made in these areas and delays efforts that could save countless lives.
Worsening Conditions for Vulnerable Populations
In addition to halting disease control efforts, the freeze has a devastating impact on vulnerable populations.
Gawande highlighted that the suspension stops essential medicines, supplies, and health systems that benefit over 90 million women and children, providing vital services like low-cost vaccinations, prenatal care, safe childbirth, and contraception.
Furthermore, direct services for 6.5 million orphans and caregivers in 23 countries have been cut off, and the suspension of drug supplies has left 20 million people living with HIV without critical treatment.
Threat to USAID’s Operations
The ‘Stop Work Order’ has also placed significant strain on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is crucial in delivering foreign aid.
With contract staff accounting for half of the global health bureau’s workforce, many face furloughs unless they are exempted from the order.
The disruption undermines USAID’s capacity to carry out its mission and jeopardizes the future of US foreign aid.
Damage to US Reputation and Global Security
Gawande emphasized the broader ramifications of this policy, warning that it damages the United States’ global standing and threatens alliances with countries that have been built over half a century.
He also noted the long-term harm to American security and the country’s world-leading capacity to address global health and humanitarian crises.
Implications for US Foreign Aid
In 2023, the US disbursed $72 billion in foreign assistance, addressing issues like poverty, disease, and humanitarian emergencies.
However, the Trump administration’s ‘Stop Work Order’ places all existing and new aid at risk, leaving critical programs for clean water, development, and military assistance in limbo.
As reported by businesstoday.in, the freeze not only affects the delivery of life-saving aid but also undermines the US’s role as the world’s largest aid donor.