Summary
The Trump administration has officially closed the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) after cutting many of its programs. A study in The Lancet says USAID saved over 90 million lives in the last 20 years and warns that ongoing cuts could result in 14 million deaths by 2030. Researchers found USAID's funding significantly reduced deaths from diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Key Facts
- USAID started in 1961 and funded various health and education programs worldwide.
- The Trump administration shut down USAID, claiming it misspent funds.
- A study in The Lancet found USAID's aid reduced deaths by 15% overall, preventing an estimated 91 million deaths in 20 years.
- Children's mortality rate dropped by 32% with high USAID funding.
- USAID programs contributed to fewer deaths from diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other tropical diseases.
- Researchers say that if USAID cuts continue until 2030, it could lead to 14 million deaths, including 4.5 million children.
- USAID's impact was analyzed using demographic and death data from 133 countries.
