US funding freeze jeopardizes 12M lives, 1.7M at risk in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The recent suspension of US foreign aid has placed millions at risk globally, with Pakistan facing significant challenges in maintaining essential health services. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has reported that in Pakistan, approximately 1.7 million individuals, including 1.2 million Afghan refugees, are poised to lose access to vital sexual and reproductive health services due to the closure of over 60 health facilities.

This development is part of a broader pause announced on January 24 by the US administration, affecting nearly all US foreign aid programs pending a 90-day review. The freeze has led to the suspension of services funded by US grants that provide lifelines for women and girls in crises across South Asia.

In Afghanistan, the absence of US support is projected to result in 1,200 additional maternal deaths and 109,000 unintended pregnancies between 2025 and 2028. More than nine million people are expected to lose access to health and protection services, impacting nearly 600 mobile health teams, family health houses, and counseling centers.

Bangladesh is also facing severe repercussions, with nearly 600,000 individuals, including Rohingya refugees, at risk of losing access to critical maternal and reproductive health services. In Cox’s Bazar refugee camp complex, where over one million Rohingya refugees reside, nearly half of all births currently take place in health facilities supported by UNFPA—a progress now under threat.

Globally, the funding freeze has forced aid organizations to halt operations, leading to immediate crises such as the closure of maternal and child-care clinics and the cessation of health programs critical to combating diseases like HIV/AIDS. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been significantly impacted, with staff withdrawals and a rapid dismantling of much of the agency, ending its long-standing mission of foreign aid and development.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has called on donors to expedite their planned contributions to fill the gap left by the US aid freeze. Filippo Grandi, the high commissioner for refugees, emphasized the urgency, noting that the US was the largest donor to UNHCR, contributing more than $2 billion last year, accounting for 40% of the agency's total donations.

The suspension of aid is predicted to lead to several thousand deaths among women and girls due to pregnancy complications. Countries like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nepal, Uganda, and Malawi are also severely impacted, with critical medical supplies stuck and key health and educational programs halted. The freeze threatens food security, public health, and economic stability in many regions.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has responded to the executive order with a call to ensure the delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities. He emphasized that the work of the United Nations is crucial and that the organization will remain actively engaged in assessing and mitigating the impact of the order.