New Delhi, February 4 (PTI) – The sudden closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is expected to have significant consequences for India's development sector, particularly in health, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and climate resilience. Experts warn that without USAID's support, key programs may face setbacks, affecting millions.
A development sector NGO head, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted USAID's crucial role in tackling tuberculosis, maternal health, and WASH initiatives. "They have led many innovative programs, including local development efforts under WASH. The impact of their exit will be immense, particularly in terms of intervention strategies," she said.
She emphasized that long-term development requires sustained leadership and funding, which USAID consistently provided. "Holistic change needs donors like USAID. They were instrumental in reproductive health programs, such as Momentum, which significantly impacted grassroots healthcare. We had a sub-grant, not a direct grant, but their leadership and guidance were invaluable," she added.
Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, condemned the decision, calling Musk’s claim that USAID is a "criminal organization" absurd and dangerous.
"For decades, USAID has provided life-saving aid to some of the world's most vulnerable populations. Dismissing it with reckless rhetoric ignores the millions who rely on its programs and undermines America’s credibility as a global leader in development," Muttreja said.
She warned that while India’s growing economy might cushion some of the impact, other nations deeply reliant on USAID’s aid will suffer immensely. "Countries like Sudan, Ukraine, Uganda, and the Ivory Coast will face disruptions in maternal and mental health services. Women in crisis zones such as Afghanistan, Gaza, and Ukraine now face a future of uncertainty," she added.
This decision comes as part of a broader U.S. withdrawal from global cooperation, including its previous exit from the World Health Organization.
Some of its major contributions include:
"There's complete chaos right now. No one knows what's happening, and leadership has provided no clear directive on how to wind down operations," said a USAID official involved in South Asia programs, speaking anonymously.
"Programs that took years to build could collapse overnight, leaving millions without crucial support."
Beyond India's domestic concerns, USAID played a strategic role in fostering regional stability, particularly by promoting trade and investment with Afghanistan. With its closure, the ripple effects could extend beyond development into geopolitical stability.
As the global community grapples with the fallout, experts stress the urgent need for alternative funding mechanisms to prevent development programs from collapsing. The coming months will be crucial in determining how India and other affected nations adapt to USAID’s absence.
A development sector NGO head, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted USAID's crucial role in tackling tuberculosis, maternal health, and WASH initiatives. "They have led many innovative programs, including local development efforts under WASH. The impact of their exit will be immense, particularly in terms of intervention strategies," she said.
She emphasized that long-term development requires sustained leadership and funding, which USAID consistently provided. "Holistic change needs donors like USAID. They were instrumental in reproductive health programs, such as Momentum, which significantly impacted grassroots healthcare. We had a sub-grant, not a direct grant, but their leadership and guidance were invaluable," she added.
Global Ramifications and Criticism
Billionaire Elon Musk recently claimed that former President Donald Trump agreed with him to shut down the agency. The announcement has drawn widespread criticism, with experts cautioning that the move will hit vulnerable nations, including Sudan, Ukraine, and Uganda, even harder than India.Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of the Population Foundation of India, condemned the decision, calling Musk’s claim that USAID is a "criminal organization" absurd and dangerous.
"For decades, USAID has provided life-saving aid to some of the world's most vulnerable populations. Dismissing it with reckless rhetoric ignores the millions who rely on its programs and undermines America’s credibility as a global leader in development," Muttreja said.
She warned that while India’s growing economy might cushion some of the impact, other nations deeply reliant on USAID’s aid will suffer immensely. "Countries like Sudan, Ukraine, Uganda, and the Ivory Coast will face disruptions in maternal and mental health services. Women in crisis zones such as Afghanistan, Gaza, and Ukraine now face a future of uncertainty," she added.
This decision comes as part of a broader U.S. withdrawal from global cooperation, including its previous exit from the World Health Organization.
USAID’s Contributions to India
USAID has been a crucial partner in India's development landscape, leveraging local resources to drive large-scale projects. Over the years, it established 34 public-private partnerships, mobilizing an additional $380 million for critical initiatives.Some of its major contributions include:
- Healthcare: USAID played a key role in reducing child and maternal mortality, fighting tuberculosis and HIV, and improving sanitation. Its maternal and child health programs across six states benefited 2.8 million pregnant women and 2.6 million newborns.
- Sanitation: USAID’s work in making 1,000 cities open-defecation-free and reducing diarrhea-related deaths among children under five has been instrumental.
- Climate Action: The agency worked with Indian state governments to expand rooftop solar installations, promote energy-efficient technologies, and improve forest management. Given that nine of the world's ten most polluted cities are in India, USAID’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting the green bond market have been critical.
Internal Chaos at USAID
Within USAID, uncertainty looms as employees scramble to understand the implications of the abrupt shutdown."There's complete chaos right now. No one knows what's happening, and leadership has provided no clear directive on how to wind down operations," said a USAID official involved in South Asia programs, speaking anonymously.
"Programs that took years to build could collapse overnight, leaving millions without crucial support."
Beyond India's domestic concerns, USAID played a strategic role in fostering regional stability, particularly by promoting trade and investment with Afghanistan. With its closure, the ripple effects could extend beyond development into geopolitical stability.
As the global community grapples with the fallout, experts stress the urgent need for alternative funding mechanisms to prevent development programs from collapsing. The coming months will be crucial in determining how India and other affected nations adapt to USAID’s absence.
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