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Foreign assistance pause jeopardizes US global leadership

WASHINGTON – The ONE Campaign released the following statement on the implementation guidance for the executive order pausing foreign assistance while the State Department completes a 90-day review process.

“We are extremely concerned about reports of stop-work orders that directly impact emergency assistance and life-saving programs around the world,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, North America Executive Director at ONE. “Any interruption of service could present a life and death situation.

“These programs are the best of American values. They not only save lives, but they build strategic partnerships that make the US and the world safer and more prosperous. Our adversaries are watching for any gaps in global leadership and this action undermines the US reputation as an influential leader and reliable partner.

“While we share the administration’s interest in ensuring the accountability and efficacy of US foreign assistance, a review must happen while programs continue their vital work on the ground.”

“Africa is not a passive recipient of aid; we are partners in building healthier, safer futures for the US and Africa,” added Serah Makka, Africa Executive Director at ONE. “Together, we have made significant strides in tackling major health crises, strengthening economies, and advancing global security, but these gains are now at risk. Any disruption in funding not only undermines progress but also diminishes the trust and partnership that have been built over decades.”

Background:

With the exception of food aid, emergency assistance to those in conflict affected areas is not exempt from this directive. This could have a profound impact on those in conflict-affected areas. In Sudan, more than 12 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing violence, forcing them to relocate within Sudan or flee to neighboring countries.

A sudden halt to life saving global health programs could interrupt access to treatment and preventive services for millions of people. By stopping support for these programs, we risk ceding ground to diseases like HIV/AIDS and malaria, which will continue to spread in the absence of preventive outreach and care.  

Halting funding for life-saving HIV/AIDS programs would have an especially negative impact on adolescent women and young girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Last year alone, bilateral programs reached 2.3 million adolescent women and young girls around the world who did not previously have access to comprehensive HIV prevention services. A 90-day pause could result in 567,123 fewer women and girls receiving care, more than the entire population of the city of Miami, Florida.

Malaria continues to be a leading cause of preventable death and illness, particularly for young children. Nearly 80% of all malaria deaths in Africa are children under the age of 5. In 2023, US bilateral health programs delivered preventive treatment programs to 12 million children. A 90-day pause to those programs could place nearly 3 million children at greater risk of contracting the deadly disease.