Trump Order Set to Halt Supply of HIV, Malaria Drugs to Poor Countries as Part of Aid Freeze, Sources Say
Aid Freeze Affects HIV, Malaria, and Tuberculosis Treatment
The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the globe, a memo reviewed by Reuters showed.
Freeze on US Aid and Funding
On Tuesday, contractors and partners who work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) began receiving memos to stop work immediately, sources said. The move is part of a wider freeze on US aid and funding put in place since Trump took office on Jan. 20, while programs are reviewed.
Lifesaving Drugs Affected
One such memo went to Chemonics, a large US consulting firm that works with USAID on the supply of medicines for a range of conditions worldwide. The memo covers the firm’s work on HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis as well as contraception and maternal and child health supplies, one USAID source and one former USAID official told Reuters.
Catastrophic Consequences
“This is catastrophic,” said Atul Gawande, former head of global health at USAID who left the agency this month. “Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people living with HIV alive. That stops today.”
Consequences of Aid Freeze
Interruptions in treatment for diseases mean that patients risk getting sick, as well as, in the case of HIV in particular, transmitting the virus to others. It also means drug-resistant strains may emerge, Gawande said. He said other partners had also received notices that meant they would be unable to deliver medicines to clinics even if they had them in stock or open the clinics if they were funded by the US.
Organizations Affected
That includes organizations working with 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children with HIV in 23 countries, he said.
Background on Trump’s Aid Freeze
Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance on Jan. 20, the day he took the oath of office, pending assessments of efficiencies and consistency with US foreign policy. His administration has also put on leave about 60 senior career officials at USAID, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.
Conclusion
The aid freeze and halt in supply of lifesaving drugs has catastrophic consequences for millions of people around the world who rely on these medications to stay alive. The Trump administration’s decision to freeze aid and funding has far-reaching implications for global health and development.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the aid freeze?
A: The aid freeze is intended to assess efficiencies and consistency with US foreign policy.
Q: Which organizations are affected by the aid freeze?
A: Organizations working with USAID, including Chemonics, are affected by the aid freeze.
Q: What are the consequences of the aid freeze?
A: The aid freeze will interrupt treatment for diseases, putting patients at risk of getting sick and potentially transmitting the virus to others. It may also lead to the emergence of drug-resistant strains.
Q: What is the impact on global health?
A: The aid freeze will have a significant impact on global health, particularly for people living with HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis.
