Why pause foreign aid?

Why pause foreign aid?

Julius Nsikak

I am utterly dismayed by Donald Trump’s decision to suspend financial aid for HIV treatment programmes in Nigeria and other developing nations.

Truly, Trump fails to understand that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, and it is his responsibility as a global leader to ensure that vulnerable populations are protected. Perhaps, Trump has forgot that as a Christian, one should not be discriminatory because this is an act of discrimination on  Africans.

This move is not only perilous, but it is also utterly misguided, especially given the current economic turmoil that is already hitting vulnerable Africans. The 90-day pause in disbursement of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will undoubtedly have far-reaching and devastating consequences.

It is appalling that Trump’s administration seems to be prioritising political ideology over the lives of millions of people who rely on these programmes for survival.

The global gag rule, which prohibits foreign NGOs from providing abortion services or referrals, has already had a detrimental impact on reproductive health outcomes, and this latest decision will only exacerbate the problem. As seen in the past, such policies tend to increase the number of unsafe abortions, rather than reducing them.

Furthermore, Trump’s stance on HIV/AIDS treatment is not only harmful but also contradictory. On one hand, he claims to be working towards eradicating the epidemic, but on the other hand, he is cutting funding for programmes that are crucial to achieving this goal.

I could not agree more that Trump needs to be more cautious and sensitive in his decision-making. His pride and stubbornness are not only hurting Americans but also people around the world who are affected by his policies.

It is high time for him to loosen his grip and accommodate the needs of others, rather than prioritising his own interests and ideologies. The situation is dire, and it requires immediate attention. I implore Trump’s administration to reconsider their decision and work towards finding solutions that prioritise the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background. The lives of millions of people depend on it.

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