A World Without USAID
- web81754
- 50 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Why Your Support Matters More Than Ever
On 2 September 2025, the world changed. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), once the largest bilateral donor in global health, humanitarian aid, and development, was effectively dismantled.
Over the last six months, more than 10,000 staff have been laid off, most programmes shut down, and the remainder hastily transferred to the U.S. State Department.
The consequences are already being felt. Millions of people who once relied on USAID-funded programmes for food, medicine, and essential services are facing sudden and profound hardship. In Kenya, HIV treatment programmes have stalled, with clinics closing and supplies running out, risking the health of thousands. In parts of Africa, food aid is drying up. Climate, education, and democracy initiatives across the Global South have collapsed almost overnight.
According to recent research, USAID-funded initiatives saved over 90 million lives in the past two decades; if current cuts persist, up to 14 million lives could be lost by 2030.
This seismic shift has left a gaping hole in international development—and with it, a greater burden on charities and NGOs to continue the work. Organisations like Mildmay are now more vital than ever.
The Global Fund is also in Crisis
It is not just USAID. The Global Fund, one of the world’s largest multilateral financiers of HIV, TB, and malaria programmes, has also been shaken. The U.S. traditionally contributed about one-third of its budget, but following USAID’s closure, it announced a dramatic reduction in support.
This year alone, the Global Fund has had to cut $1.43 billion from already-awarded grants. More than 100 countries have seen their allocations reduced, some by as much as 16%. For Mildmay Kenya, a long-standing Global Fund partner, this represents a direct threat to lifesaving services. Outreach, testing, and support for people living with HIV have all been scaled back.
Mildmay is Stepping Up in Uncertain Times
In Uganda, the impact has also been severe. Mildmay Uganda has relied heavily on USAID to fund community outreach, HIV and TB care, maternal and child health services, and public health education. With the abrupt end of that support, thousands of vulnerable people are at risk.
But Mildmay is determined to act. This autumn, we are launching the Uganda Health Programme - a bold new initiative to strengthen healthcare across Uganda by building modern specialist centres that provide inpatient, outpatient, community outreach, and telemedicine services.
The first project will be the complete rebuilding of JOY Hospice in Mbale into a 30+ bed facility. This centre will provide:
Comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services
Palliative and disability-inclusive care
Support for people living with chronic illnesses, including HIV
Specialist children’s care
Outreach to rural communities through mobile and digital health solutions
This is more than a building project; it is the foundation of a sustainable healthcare model that can be replicated nationwide, transforming access to healthcare and giving thousands a better chance at life.
Why We Need You
The collapse of USAID and the cuts to the Global Fund represent one of the greatest crises in modern international development. Where governments step back, ordinary people must step forward.
Mildmay cannot launch and sustain the Uganda Health Programme without you. Your support will help us:
Rebuild JOY Hospice into a world-class centre of care
Expand outreach to rural and underserved communities
Ensure continuity of care for people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses
Create a model of healthcare that endures in times of political uncertainty
Stand With Us
At this critical moment, your generosity can make the difference between hope and despair for thousands of people.
We are excited to share details about our new projects with you soon! Visit our international pages in the coming weeks for dedicated pages with all the information.
Please donate today to support Mildmay’s international programmes
Together, we can continue to bring healthcare, dignity, and hope where it is most needed, despite the shifting sands of global politics.
Editorial Note on USAID’s Legal Status
While the Trump administration has moved to dismantle USAID and merge its functions into the State Department, the agency remains a congressionally mandated body. Only Congress has the authority to abolish it, and legal challenges are ongoing. In practice, however, funding freezes, staff layoffs, and halted programmes have left USAID unable to function in its historic role.
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