Cuts to USAID funding could lead to more than 14 million deaths by 2030

USAID funding cuts could lead to millions of deaths by 2030, photo: Getty Images

Reducing or cancelling funding for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) could cause more than 14 million deaths by 2030.

This is stated in a study published in the journal The Lancet, cited by Reuters.

The researchers note that over the past two decades, USAID programmes have helped prevent more than 91 million deaths worldwide, including about 30 million among children. If funding is cut, the number of preventable deaths will fall sharply.

It is expected that the end of funding could lead to 14 million additional deaths, including 4.5 million among children under five.

«Our estimates show that if the sharp funding cuts announced and implemented in the first half of 2025 are not reversed, a staggering number of avoidable deaths could occur by 2030», the publication says.

The study notes that USAID's financial support is key to healthcare development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This is especially critical for African countries, where the agency's assistance helps save lives.

Earlier it was reported that the decision of the Donald Trump administration to suspend US foreign aid «has significantly disrupted» the supply of HIV drugs to eight countries that may soon be left without these vital medicines.