By U.S.-funded humanitarian and health programs worldwide, including those providing lifesaving care to millions in countries such as Sudan and South Africa, were abruptly issued termination notices on Thursday. The move has sent shockwaves through the global aid community, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations.
These cancellations come as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump nears the completion of a review to align foreign aid programs with his “America First” agenda. In January, the administration ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid to assess whether projects were consistent with its policy objectives.
Despite previous assurances from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that critical aid would not be halted—stating that waivers had been granted for lifesaving services—the administration has now decided to terminate over 90% of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, according to a February 25 court document.
The cuts affect a broad range of initiatives, including programs focused on HIV treatment, tuberculosis (TB) prevention, and broader public health efforts. Even major United Nations-backed health initiatives, such as UNAIDS, the Stop TB Partnership, and Scaling Up Nutrition, have received termination notices, leaving millions of forcibly displaced people and vulnerable communities at risk.
Global Outrage and Impact on Health Services
Lucica Ditiu, Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, acknowledged the severe impact of the decision, stating:
“We are hit, but we will continue to be there.”
While the organization has alternative funding sources to procure TB tests and treatments, Ditiu noted that it would be forced to terminate contracts with 140 global partners—many of whom provide essential services such as TB diagnosis and treatment support.
The termination of aid has sparked sharp criticism from humanitarian organizations, which view the move as a direct threat to the world’s most vulnerable populations. Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, expressed outrage, saying:
“Not only are these terminations egregious breaches of contracts, but they endanger the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
She further condemned the abrupt and unilateral nature of the decision, emphasizing the severe consequences for forcibly displaced individuals in conflict zones such as Sudan, Yemen, and Colombia.
Severe Consequences for HIV/AIDS Programs
Among the hardest-hit countries is South Africa, home to approximately eight million people living with HIV. Health experts warn that the termination of U.S. funding could undermine years of progress in fighting the epidemic.
“We will see lives lost. We are going to see this epidemic walk back as a result of this,” said Linda-Gail Bekker, Chief Operating Officer of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.
Bekker explained that while some anticipated funding reductions for programs serving key populations such as LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, the cuts have turned out to be far more extensive—affecting prevention and treatment programs for women and children as well.
The United States currently provides about 17% of South Africa’s HIV/AIDS budget. Experts warn that the funding cuts could severely impact efforts to provide testing and initiate treatment for new patients.
Francois Venter, Executive Director of the Ezintsha Research Centre in Johannesburg, described the decision as a “devastating blow”, emphasizing that many of the affected programs were among the most efficient and effective health delivery initiatives in the country.
Widespread Humanitarian Disruptions
Beyond health programs, the cuts have affected numerous nonprofit organizations delivering critical services worldwide. Humanity & Inclusion, which had more than 30 contracts with the U.S. government to support individuals with disabilities, has lost nearly half of its funding in the past 36 hours, according to its U.S. Executive Director, Hannah Guedenet.
Criticizing the abrupt nature of the funding cuts, Guedenet stated:
“If you want to cut funding, there’s a way to responsibly do that. And that is not what’s being done. This is complete disregard for human life.”
While it remains unclear whether any of the affected projects could be reinstated, the Trump administration has also eliminated nearly 30% of State Department foreign assistance grants, amounting to approximately $4.4 billion. The U.S. State Department has yet to provide a clear explanation for the termination of critical aid programs.
Termination notices sent to affected organizations, as seen by Reuters, stated:
“Secretary Rubio and (USAID) Deputy Administrator (Peter) Marocco have determined your award is not aligned with Agency priorities and made a determination that continuing this program is not in the national interest.”
For some organizations, USAID represents their primary source of funding, leaving them at risk of closure. Others, while less dependent on U.S. aid, will still face significant disruptions to their operations.
A Global Setback in the Fight Against Disease and Poverty
Beatriz Grinsztejn, President of the International AIDS Society, warned of the catastrophic impact of the funding cuts on HIV/AIDS and TB services globally:
“The U.S. funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing.”
As the fallout continues, health and humanitarian experts warn that the ripple effects of these abrupt aid terminations will be felt for years to come—threatening the progress made in global health, poverty reduction, and humanitarian relief efforts.
