The suspension follows an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, which imposed a 90-day pause on foreign development aid to assess efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy.
The United States President Donald Trump has moved to halt the supply of lifesaving drugs and medical supplies for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as critical neonatal care.
The decision affects countries supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), sparking concerns of a global health crisis, according to a memo reviewed by Reuters.
On Tuesday, USAID contractors and partners began receiving notices to cease operations immediately. The suspension is part of a broader freeze on U.S. aid and funding implemented since President Donald Trump took office on January 20, as the administration conducts a review of development programs.
One such memo was sent to Chemonics, a major U.S. consulting firm working with USAID to deliver essential medicines worldwide. The memo directs the firm to halt operations related to HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, contraception, and maternal and child health supplies, according to a USAID source and a former agency official.
“This is catastrophic,” said Atul Gawande, former global health chief at USAID. “Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people with HIV alive stop today.”
Gawande also warned that treatment interruptions could lead to disease resurgence, drug resistance, and increased transmission of HIV.
The freeze affects organizations supporting 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children with HIV in 23 countries. It also prevents medicine deliveries to clinics and could shutter clinics funded by U.S. assistance, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The suspension follows an executive order signed by Trump on January 20, which imposed a 90-day pause on foreign development aid to assess efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, around 60 senior career officials at USAID were placed on leave earlier this week, further disrupting the agency’s operations.
The United States is the world’s largest donor of humanitarian aid, contributing 42% of all assistance tracked by the United Nations in 2024. In fiscal year 2023, U.S. foreign assistance amounted to $72 billion.
Experts and advocates warn the aid freeze could have devastating consequences for millions relying on these programs. USAID and Chemonics have not yet responded to requests for comment.
On its website, USAID says it supports HIV prevention, care, and treatment in over 50 countries including Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Nepal and Nicaragua.
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