US Global Maternal‍ and Child Health Programs Disrupted by Policy Changes

‌ ⁣ Updated June 11, 2025
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Recent⁤ executive actions initiated at the ⁣start of President Trump’s second term have significantly altered U.S. foreign assistance, impacting global‍ maternal and​ child health (MCH) programs. These actions included a review of foreign aid,a “stop-work order” freezing payments,the ​dissolution⁢ of USAID,and the cancellation⁣ of ⁤numerous foreign ‌assistance⁣ awards.

Although a limited waiver was issued to allow​ life-saving humanitarian assistance,its⁢ scope is restricted,and program implementers face difficulties in obtaining it. Legal challenges have had limited success, leading to disruptions and closures⁣ of U.S. global health ‌programs. Proposed changes to the Department of Health and Human Services are also expected to affect these programs.

For over 50 ‍years, the U.S.‌ government has supported global maternal and child health efforts, contributing to significant‌ reductions in maternal and child⁢ mortality worldwide. Despite these gains,in 2023,8 million children under 5 died,with⁢ the highest rates in sub-Saharan⁤ Africa. ⁤Additionally,⁢ approximately 260,000 ⁤women died during or⁢ after ‌pregnancy and childbirth, with 92% of these deaths occurring in low- and⁣ middle-income countries.

The ⁣FY​ 2025 Continuing Resolution maintained level funding for bilateral MCH activities at USAID and CDC, totaling $845 million. ​The U.S. has ‌historically⁣ been the⁢ top donor⁤ government to MCH activities.However, the administration’s FY ​2026 budget request does not ⁣include any funding for bilateral maternal and child ​efforts.

the stop-work order initially froze all MCH programming,‌ halting USAID’s services, including pre- ⁣and post-natal health care. Many implementers were forced to lay⁣ off staff and end services due to the payment freeze. Even ​with the limited ​waiver issued in⁢ February, services remain disrupted, and ​implementers face ⁣challenges in resuming programming‍ and receiving payments.

The dissolution of USAID, the main government implementer ‌of⁢ MCH efforts, has significantly affected implementation capacity. Reductions​ at the CDC could further impact global MCH efforts.⁣ Reports indicate that⁤ the administration has canceled a significant percentage ​of USAID​ awards,⁣ including ‌those related to MCH activities.

In response to lawsuits, a federal ‌judge issued a preliminary injunction ‍ordering the government to pay for ‌work completed⁤ by a specific date,‌ but ⁤this has not stopped the cancellation of awards. The administration notified Congress of its intent to permanently dissolve USAID,integrating ⁣its remaining operations‌ into the State Department.

An internal USAID memo indicated that the cessation of MCH programming would‌ affect services for millions​ of ⁣pregnant women and ⁤children annually. A WHO survey ‌found that nearly half of​ country offices reported disruptions to MCH services due ⁣to the U.S.foreign⁤ aid freeze.⁤ WHO has ⁤warned that funding cuts ‌have led to facility closures and loss of health workers.

A modeling study suggests that the⁢ cessation​ of U.S.MCH funding could reverse progress, leading to increased maternal and⁤ child ‍deaths ‌and stillbirths by ​2040.

What’s next

The administration could soon⁤ release the results of its foreign aid review, potentially recommending further‍ changes ⁤to MCH efforts. The proposed dissolution of USAID and integration of its activities into the State Department raises questions ​about the ‌capacity to manage and implement MCH programs. The administration’s FY‌ 2026 budget request includes significant ⁣reductions in funding for ⁢global health,and final decisions rest with Congress.