By Abiola Olawale
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, has argued that United States funding cuts to humanitarian and development programs could harm global health and safety.
According to him, the funding cut will ripple effects, adding that less aid means weaker health systems, more vulnerability to disease outbreaks, and increased instability in already fragile regions.
He said reducing US financial support would worsen conditions for those in need and undermine global stability.
He said: “These cuts will be especially devastating for vulnerable people around the world. From war-torn regions to areas struck by natural disasters, the loss of support will leave millions more at risk.
“American funding directly supports people living through wars, famines, and disasters, providing essential health care, shelter, water, food, and education—the list goes on.
“The generosity and compassion of the American people have not only saved lives, built peace, and improved the state of the world. They have contributed to the stability and prosperity that Americans depend on.
“Going through with recent funding cuts will make the world less healthy, less safe, and less prosperous.
“I can only hope that these decisions can be reversed based on more careful reviews. The same applies to other countries that have recently announced reductions in humanitarian and development aid.”
The UN chief highlighted how critical programmes in countries like Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, and Ukraine are severely affected.
He stated that in Afghanistan, over nine million people risk losing access to healthcare and protection services.
According to him, in northeast Syria, the lack of funding will disrupt relief efforts where 2.5 million people depend on aid.
This comes after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order halting funding for HIV treatment programs in developing nations.
The decision was part of the US’ broader review of foreign aid programs, resulting in the suspension of funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for at least 90 days.
PEPFAR, which has an annual budget of around $6.5 billion, supports HIV/AIDS treatment for over 20.6 million people worldwide and has been credited with saving an estimated 26 million lives since its inception.
