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The Take
What’s behind Trump’s war on USAID?
Feb 5, 2025
Anuradha Mittal, the Executive Director of the Oakland Institute, dives into the drastic shifts facing USAID under the Trump administration. She discusses the agency's pivotal role in global health and its ethical dilemmas amid budget cuts. Mittal highlights the severe consequences that dismantling USAID could have on vulnerable populations reliant on U.S. aid. The dialogue also touches on USAID's complex relationship with U.S. foreign policy and the urgent need for reform to maintain its influence in the geopolitical landscape.
17:29
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Quick takeaways
- The potential dismantling of USAID threatens global health efforts, risking increased disease transmission and harming vulnerable populations reliant on its support.
- Critics highlight USAID's alignment with U.S. foreign policy, suggesting it often serves political motives rather than solely focusing on humanitarian aid.
Deep dives
Impact of USAID on Global Health
USAID plays a crucial role in global health initiatives, significantly contributing to vaccine distribution and disease eradication efforts. For example, the agency was instrumental in the eradication of smallpox within 11 years and has recently facilitated the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to low-income countries. Additionally, USAID provides essential support for ongoing health issues, such as HIV and tuberculosis treatment, emphasizing its importance in addressing health crises in war-torn regions. The withdrawal of USAID's support could jeopardize public health in vulnerable populations, resulting in far-reaching consequences such as increased disease transmission, including outbreaks of Ebola.
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Discover
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