In a stark warning, a recent study published in The Lancet claims that President Trump's decision to slash U.S. humanitarian aid could potentially lead to an additional 14 million deaths by 2030. The report highlights that a significant portion of those at risk—about one-third—are children.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed in March that the Trump administration canceled over 80% of programs under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Co-author of the study, Davide Rasella, suggests that for many low- and middle-income countries, these funding cuts will have effects similar to a global pandemic or major armed conflict.
The report stresses that these cuts threaten to undo two decades of health advancements for vulnerable populations. Accumulated data from 133 countries revealed that USAID had previously prevented about 91 million deaths between 2001 and 2021. The researchers modeled the potential impact of an 83% funding reduction, predicting over 14 million additional deaths, including more than 4.5 million children under five, equating to around 700,000 child deaths each year.
The Trump administration's approach aims to streamline operations amid allegations of USAID backing liberal initiatives. Although Rubio mentioned that approximately 1,000 aid programs would be transferred to more effective management under the State Department, there are concerning reports about worsening impoverishment.
A UN official recently reported dire conditions in Kenyan refugee camps where cuts have drastically reduced food supplies, leaving hundreds of thousands at risk of starvation. Observers noted heartbreaking scenes in hospitals, such as malnourished infants struggling to survive, underscoring the severe consequences of the U.S. funding reductions.
