Deep Cuts to USAID Could Lead to Over 14 Million Additional Deaths by 2030, Study Warns
A study published in The Lancet medical journal warns that deep funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and its potential dismantling could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under 5. The cuts, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce wasteful spending, have drawn criticism from human rights experts and advocates.
A study published in The Lancet medical journal on Monday has raised alarms about the consequences of deep funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The research estimates that these cuts, combined with the potential dismantling of the agency, could lead to over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including 4.5 million children under the age of 5.
USAID’s Impact on Global Health
Over the past two decades, USAID-funded programs have played a crucial role in improving global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, with a significant focus on African nations. The study estimates that these programs have prevented more than 91 million deaths globally, including 30 million deaths among children.
Trump Administration’s Cuts to USAID
Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has made significant cuts to USAID and its aid programs worldwide. The administration claims these cuts are part of a broader plan to eliminate wasteful spending. In March, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that over 80% of all programs at USAID had been canceled following a six-week review.
The remaining approximately 1,000 programs will now be administered “more effectively” under the U.S. State Department and in consultation with Congress, according to Reuters.
Humanitarian Impact of the Cuts
The study warns that the abrupt funding cuts, if not reversed, could have devastating consequences. “Our estimates show that, unless the abrupt funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030,” the study said.
USAID’s Global Role
The U.S. is the world’s largest humanitarian aid donor, contributing at least 38% of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. In 2023, the U.S. disbursed $61 billion in foreign assistance, with just over half of it channeled through USAID, according to government data.
Discover more from Kokcha News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
