Read in full: https://mailchi.mp/dd6d29bee9cc/global-health-works-march2024-14223477?e...
Statement from Global Health Council on the Mass Termination of USAID and State Department Grants
'The decision to terminate thousands of USAID and State Department foreign assistance grants is a tragedy of historic proportions. With the stroke of a pen, the U.S. government has gutted decades of progress in global health, development, and humanitarian aid — without due process, transparency, or good faith consideration of the consequences.
'This reckless and unilateral move will cost millions of lives around the world. From life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment to maternal and child health programs, from pandemic preparedness to humanitarian assistance in conflict zones, these grants provided essential support to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities... it is a deliberate, calculated act that will cause irreparable harm.'
COMMENT (NPW): Although this statement does not specifically talk about health information, the full statement details the impact of disruptions. Its assessment that 'this reckless and unilateral move will cost millions of lives around the world' is the first time I have heard such an estimate. The Global Health Council 'calls on Congress, the courts, and all who believe in the value of U.S. global engagement to act — before even more lives are lost'.
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org