Former USAID head warns disease outbreaks could grow after cuts to agency
The repercussions of major funding cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are dire, according to former administrator Samantha Power. In an interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live, Power expressed deep concern over the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to slash funding to the agency.
Power highlighted the potential increase in cases of diseases like paralytic polio and malaria due to the cancelled USAID contracts. She warned of an estimated 200,000 more cases of paralytic polio and as many as 166,000 additional deaths from malaria as a result of the funding cuts.
USAID plays a crucial role in administering funding for development projects worldwide, with contributions from the United States and international partners, including Canada. However, recent reports indicate that approximately 10,000 contracts with USAID have been terminated, marking an unprecedented downsizing of the federal government under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The impact of these cuts extends beyond health concerns, affecting programs that support girls’ education globally. Power emphasized that millions of girls may now be deprived of educational opportunities due to the termination of USAID funding for such initiatives.
Before leading USAID, Power served as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Obama administration. She criticized the current administration for isolating the U.S. from global partnerships and failing to recognize the interconnectedness of the world, especially in the face of health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Power expressed concern about the future of America’s alliances and the lack of remorse or consideration for the human consequences of the funding cuts. She emphasized the long-standing bipartisan support for USAID, which was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and has been instrumental in providing assistance to over 130 countries.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric also raised alarm about the impact of the cuts on fragile countries reliant on U.S. aid for essential services like health systems and nutrition programs. Issues like counterterrorism, human trafficking, and migrant assistance are also expected to suffer as a result of the funding reductions.
As Power reflected on the current state of affairs, she questioned whether there is any hope for a reversal of the damaging decisions made by the administration. The lack of concern for the human consequences of these actions paints a grim picture of the future of global development and cooperation.
