US Foreign Aid Freeze Triggers Global Health Crisis

US
Published:

A significant disruption in global health services has emerged following an executive order by President Donald Trump, which halts all US foreign aid funding flows for 90 days. The freeze affects essential programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which provides life-saving antiretroviral therapy to 20 million people living with HIV worldwide.

Reports from various countries highlight the immediate consequences of the freeze. Clinics in Uganda are scrambling to find alternatives for critical supplies, while aid workers in Bangladesh express concerns that relief efforts for nearly a million Rohingya refugees may collapse. Experts warn that stopping PEPFAR could result in preventable deaths and a resurgence of HIV.

Brian Aliganyira, who operates a health clinic for the LGBTQ+ community in Kampala, reported that their supply chains have come to a standstill, causing panic among staff and patients. Health advocates emphasize that this abrupt halt will lead to service delivery failures, job losses, and a rollback of outreach efforts crucial for vulnerable populations.

The United States, which contributes nearly half of global humanitarian funding, has heightened anxiety within the aid community. Oxfam America voiced grave concerns about the potential "life or death consequences" for millions dependent on these programs. The emergency humanitarian food assistance remains exempt from this freeze, but crucial services, including healthcare for pregnant women and children, remain at risk.

Former health officials and aid organizations are urging the US government to prioritize reviews and consider waivers for essential services to mitigate the humanitarian fallout, with mounting evidence suggesting that the freeze could have dire long-term effects on global health initiatives.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from United States

Trump Threatens BRICS Nations with 100% Tariff Over US Dollar Replacement

In a bold statement on January 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a warning to the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—threatening to impose a 100% tariff if they pursue the creation of a new currency or support alternatives to the US dollar. Trump emphasized the need for commitments from these countries to refrain from actions that could undermine the dollar's dominance in international trade. The remarks came amidst ongoing discussions about the BRICS alliance potentially moving away from reliance on the US dollar. According to Trump, the notion that these countries could attempt to replace the dollar without consequence is no longer viable. He posted on his Truth Social platform, asserting that the U.S. government would require a clear commitment from BRICS members against such initiatives. This escalation of rhetoric highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding global currency standards and the U.S. position in international economic affairs.
US

Walgreens Stops Dividend Payments for First Time in 92 Years Amid Financial Challenges

Walgreens Boots Alliance has announced the suspension of its quarterly dividend payment to shareholders, marking the first time in 92 years that the company has opted not to distribute cash dividends. The decision, reported on January 30, 2025, comes as the Deerfield-based retail pharmacy faces ongoing financial difficulties. In an effort to streamline operations, Walgreens plans to close approximately 1,200 stores over the next three years, including locations in Chicago. The company has been implementing cost-cutting measures, which include recent layoffs in Illinois and other regions. According to Walgreens, the suspension of dividends is designed to assess and refine its capital allocation policy as part of a broader turnaround strategy. A company release emphasized that cash needs associated with litigation and debt refinancing critically influenced the decision. Walgreens reported a substantial net loss of $265 million in the first quarter of this year, in stark contrast to a loss of $67 million in the same quarter the previous year.
US

Costco to Raise Hourly Wages for US Workers to Over $30

Costco Wholesale has announced plans to increase hourly pay for most of its U.S. store workers to over $30, according to a memo distributed to employees this week. The wage hike will implement a $1 increase annually for the next three years, beginning with a rise to $30.20 in the first year. Additionally, workers at the bottom of the pay scale will see their wages increase by 50 cents to $20. This decision comes amid contract negotiations between Costco and the Teamsters union, which represents over 18,000 employees. The union recently revealed that 85% of its members voted in favor of a nationwide strike as talks approach a January 31 deadline. Costco emphasized in the memo, signed by CEO Ron Vachris, that the changes would ensure that their hourly wages and benefits continue to surpass those offered by competitors in the retail industry. As labor relations become increasingly contentious across various sectors, this move may help Costco maintain its workforce and improve employee morale.
US
All United States News ->