Science Quickly Cutting USAID Threatens Public Health around the World
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Apr 4, 2025 
Tanya Lewis, Senior health and medicine editor at Scientific American, dives into the alarming plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). She highlights the critical impact of USAID on global health, especially how funding cuts could jeopardize immunization and life-saving programs for children. Lewis discusses the risks of increased disease prevalence, including drug-resistant strains, and underlines the vital role of sustained support for vulnerable populations. The conversation reveals the far-reaching consequences of shifting public health priorities.
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USAID Funding Cuts
- The U.S. government is significantly reducing its financial support for USAID.
- This decision raises concerns about the future of global health initiatives.
USAID's Purpose
- USAID, founded by President Kennedy, provides foreign aid to other countries.
- This aid includes health assistance, economic aid, among other forms of support.
Impact on Child Mortality
- Research by William Weiss at Johns Hopkins shows USAID funding significantly reduced child mortality.
- Countries with higher USAID funding had 29 fewer deaths per 1,000 live births.