Report on the Impact of US Agency for International Development (USAID) Funding Cuts on Global Health and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Recent research published in The Lancet warns that steep cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) threaten to cause over 14 million additional deaths by 2030. These cuts risk reversing significant progress made against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and respiratory infections, thereby undermining multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Background and Context

• USAID has historically been a leading donor supporting health initiatives in low- and middle-income countries.
• The agency’s funding cuts have been described as a structural defunding that could represent one of the most significant setbacks to global health in decades.
• Washington’s retreat from global health efforts threatens to reverse progress in health and socio-economic development, impacting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Research Methodology

1. Mortality data from 133 countries and territories between 2001 and 2021 were analyzed.
2. The impact of USAID funding on mortality rates was estimated by age, sex, and cause-specific groups.
3. Projections were made to predict the impact of funding cuts from 2024 to 2030.

Key Findings

• USAID-funded programs prevented approximately 91.8 million deaths during the study period.
• HIV/AIDS deaths were reduced by nearly two-thirds, saving 25.5 million lives.
• Programs also saved 31 million lives from malaria, diarrheal diseases, neglected tropical diseases, and lower respiratory infections.
• Projected additional deaths due to funding cuts range from 1.78 million to 2.5 million annually between 2025 and 2030.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The funding cuts directly threaten progress towards several SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Increased mortality from preventable diseases will undermine global health targets.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Health setbacks exacerbate poverty by increasing healthcare costs and reducing economic productivity.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Vulnerable populations in low-income countries will be disproportionately affected.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The US withdrawal from international collaborations such as the Gavi vaccine alliance weakens global partnerships essential for sustainable development.

Policy Changes and Reactions

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs, with remaining programs to be managed by the State Department.
• USAID’s 2023 expenditure was approximately $42.4 billion; however, the total long-term funding reduction remains uncertain due to ongoing legal challenges.
• The US recently ceased funding the Gavi international vaccine alliance, contributing $300 million in 2023.
• Experts warn that the sudden withdrawal of funding will cost lives and hinder global health reforms.

Expert Opinions

• Davide Rasella, co-author of the Lancet study, emphasized the risk of millions of preventable deaths and reversal of health and socio-economic progress.
• Luke Allen of the University of Oxford highlighted USAID’s critical role in funding essential health services in the world’s poorest countries.
• Michael Head from the University of Southampton criticized the abrupt funding withdrawal, stressing the need for reform rather than sudden cuts.

Conclusion

The reduction in USAID funding poses a severe threat to global health outcomes and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Maintaining and strengthening international health partnerships is essential to continue progress in reducing preventable deaths and promoting equitable health access worldwide.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on the impact of funding cuts on global health, particularly on diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and respiratory infections.
   • It discusses preventable deaths and the importance of health services in low- and middle-income countries.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Health improvements are linked to socio-economic development, and setbacks in health can reverse progress in poverty reduction.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights the role of international collaborations and partnerships, such as USAID and Gavi, in achieving health goals.
   • The US withdrawal from these partnerships threatens progress towards the SDGs.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.3: End the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.2: Developed countries to implement fully their official development assistance commitments, including to health-related programs.
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Mortality Rates
   • The article references mortality data from 133 countries and territories, including deaths prevented by USAID-funded programs.
   • Indicators such as under-five mortality rate and disease-specific mortality rates (HIV/AIDS, malaria, respiratory infections) are implied.
2. Number of Deaths Prevented
   • Specific figures such as 91.8 million deaths prevented, 25.5 million HIV/AIDS deaths reduced, and 31 million deaths prevented from malaria and other diseases are mentioned.
3. Funding Levels and Program Coverage
   • Indicators related to the amount of funding allocated (e.g., USAID’s $42.4 billion in 2023) and the percentage of programs cancelled (83%) are implied measures of progress.
4. Vaccination Coverage
   • The US stopping funding to the Gavi vaccine alliance implies vaccination coverage as an indicator.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ft.com