A memo from the United States government reveals plans to restart American-funded aid efforts focusing on critical health issues like malaria, newborn mortality prevention, and treatment of severe malnutrition. The memo clarifies the scope of 'lifesaving' activities exempt from a 90-day freeze on international aid initiated by President Trump.
American-funded aid efforts aimed at combating diseases like malaria, preventing newborn deaths, and treating severe malnutrition should be reinstated, according to a memo from the United States government obtained by Reuters. President Donald Trump initiated a freeze on international aid during a 90-day review shortly after assuming office last month.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently issued a waiver a week later, clarifying that 'lifesaving' initiatives were exempted during this period. However, organizations operating on the ground remained confused regarding which activities fell under this exemption. The memo aims to clarify which programs can now be restarted. It states, 'These lifesaving activities must resume or continue within the next 30 days of the 90-day pause on foreign assistance to prevent imminent mortality among USAID beneficiaries.' The memo outlines activities addressing tuberculosis, malaria, acute risks associated with maternal and child mortality, including severe acute malnutrition, and other life-threatening diseases and health conditions. It also specifies that efforts to combat disease outbreaks, including mpox, avian flu, and Ebola, and global health supply chain activities should be resumed.USAID did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The memo is dated February 4th and cleared via email on February 6th. One aid group reported receiving it on Friday. However, two sources indicated that it remains unclear which programs can be restarted and with what funding, especially considering the reduction in USAID's resources both in Washington and globally. Martin Edlund, CEO of Washington-based global non-profit Malaria No More, stated that the memo represents an important step towards resuming programs. He emphasized that 'Even short-term interruptions of malaria prevention and treatment lead to outbreaks and deaths,' but added that 'start-work' orders would also be necessary for all programs to initiate indoor spraying, net distribution, testing, and treatment for malaria. A separate clarifying memo, dated February 6th, also sought to provide more details regarding a waiver issued the previous week for the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). A prominent red banner at the top of the memo emphasizes that 'care, treatment, and prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission should be resumed as soon as possible.' — Reuter
Health Politics USAID MALARIA AIDS HEALTH OUTBREAKS FOREIGN AID
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