KEY POINTS
- The U.S. has suspended 83 percent of USAID programs, affecting Africa.
- Zimbabwe’s health and education sectors face significant risks.
- South African clinics providing free ARVs have already shut down.
Zimbabwe and several African nations are bracing for tough times following the U.S. government’s decision to suspend 83 percent of USAID programs, a move that threatens critical sectors like health, education, and rural development.
The announcement came from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, confirming the cancellation of 5,200 contracts under USAID. According to Rubio, these programs were deemed to be using billions of dollars in ways that did not serve the core interests of the United States.
“After a six-week review, we are officially canceling 83 percent of the programs at USAID,” said Rubio. “The 5,200 contracts that are now canceled spent tens of billions of dollars in ways that did not serve, and in some cases even harmed, the core national interests of the United States.”
Rubio added that only 18 percent of programs, about 1,000 contracts, would be retained and managed directly under the State Department to ensure better oversight and effectiveness. These changes will redefine the future operation of U.S. humanitarian assistance.
Zimbabwe’s health and education sectors at risk
USAID funding has played a vital role in Zimbabwe’s health sector by providing salary payments to nurses, adopting new technology systems and building clinics in remote rural locations.
The suspended payments threaten the essential services that exist in Zimbabwe which leaves many vulnerable communities perplexed about their future stability.
Zimbabwe’s government maintains a “Plan B” to handle the sudden funding shortage despite its restricted contributions to public health and education since the last 45 years. However, the government officials have given limited specifics while asking people to avoid panic.
“The suspension is significant, but we have a contingency plan in place,” a government representative stated. “We will continue to prioritize our healthcare systems and ensure minimal disruption to services.”
Several free antiretroviral drug (ARV) distribution facilities in South Africa face closure due to the economic problems in the region.
According to New Zimbabwe, these closures could lead to severe health crises, particularly among vulnerable groups who rely on these medications for survival.
Wider humanitarian crisis looms for Africa
Across Africa the situation is urgent. The withdrawal of UKAID and other European aid agencies has made the problem worse by creating a void that multiple nations attempt to address.
The rural population in Zimbabwe faces overwhelming concern about becoming the most affected sector due to their current challenges accessing healthcare and education. The departure of USAID has intensified worries about what will happen to needed basic services for affected communities.
The overall humanitarian setting remains unpredictable. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) conducted the USAID review and tasked itself with determining the future of the agency’s operations.
While DOGE has recommended streamlining programs, critics argue that the sudden cuts could destabilize many African regions.
As African governments and organizations grapple with the fallout, calls for international support and local solutions are intensifying.
The hope is that other global partners will step in to help mitigate the negative impact, but for now, many communities face an uncertain future.
