By Hilda Yaa Tebuah
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a lifeline for Africa’s healthcare systems for decades, funding vital programmes that fight malaria, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality and child malnutrition. The agency’s support has saved millions of lives in Africa, strengthened local health infrastructures, and provided essential medical supplies to underprivileged communities in Africa.
Nevertheless, the recent shutdown of USAID funding threatens to remove these benefits, leaving many African nations struggling to keep vital health service running.
The United States Agency for International Development is an independent agency of the United States government responsible for managing civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to unite several foreign assistance organisations and programs under one agency. It implements programs in global health, disaster relief, socio-economic development, environmental protection, democratic governance and education. USAID has been one of the world’s largest aid agencies.
The shutdown of USAID begins from policy decisions by the Trump administration, which sought to reduce foreign aid expenditures. In January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending all foreign development assistance for a 90 day review, arguing that many aid programmes were wasteful.
USAID plays a crucial role in African healthcare by fighting major diseases and supporting global health programs. It is a major contributor to initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), which help fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. Additionally, USAID provides funding for maternal and child health programs aimed at improving the well-being of mothers and children across Africa. It also supports nutrition initiatives to address malnutrition and enhance the nutritional status of populations. Also, USAID contributes to health system strengthening and ensures access to essential medicines, reinforcing healthcare infrastructure and improving overall public health outcomes.
The shutdown of USAID has had a devastating impact on Africa’s health systems, impeding vital programmes that millions rely on. USAID has played a key role in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as well as supporting maternal and child health initiatives across countries in Africa. With its closure, HIV treatment programmes under PEPFAR are at risk, potentially leading to thousands of new infections daily and shortage of the Anti- retroviral drugs for patients living with AIDS.
Most clinics in some African countries relied on Drugs and vaccines USAID provides to treat affected people in the country and since these thing are now not in operation, these clinics now has to stop most of its service, because most government at this point cannot get money to provide the drugs and vaccines for them.
USAID played a crucial role in combating infectious diseases such as malaria, TB, and Ebola. The shutdown has hindered surveillance and response efforts, increasing the risk of outbreaks. For instance the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, USAID involvement was key in curbing the disease. The current absence of such support leaves countries in Africa vulnerable to future epidemics.
The shutdown of USAID has created a critical vacant in Africa’s health systems, affecting millions who rely on its programs to survive. This situation underscores the importance building a resilience health system with less dependent on external aid, ensuring that health services remain uninterrupted.
References:
Wikipedia
BBC.com
www.whitehouse.gov.us
www.statnews.com
apnews.com
