A Medical Missions Perspective on Changes to USAID Funding
By Greg Seager, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Christian Health Service Corps
In 1936, sociologist Robert K. Merton wrote about the “unanticipated consequences of purposive social action.” His insight—that even well-intended policies can produce harmful side effects—remains highly relevant, especially in the context of international aid and global health.
Recent changes and pauses in USAID program funding have prompted concern across the development and humanitarian sectors. As an organization that works closely with mission hospitals and global health partners, Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC) is observing firsthand the ripple effects of these policy shifts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where aid is often a critical lifeline.
What Is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the government agency responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. USAID supports a range of programs including emergency response, health care, food assistance, education, and infrastructure development. Its efforts often involve partnerships with both faith-based and secular organizations.
USAID typically works by issuing requests for proposals in areas of need, funding organizations with the capacity to implement these programs through legally binding agreements.
Why This Matters to Christian Health Service and Our Partners
Christian Health Service does not currently receive direct USAID funding. However, many of our in-country partners and collaborating organizations do. We were preparing to apply for grants this year through programs like American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA).
Recent changes—such as a temporary freeze on USAID programming—have had real consequences. Several of our partner hospitals have reported reductions in staff and services due to funding uncertainties. These organizations, often Christian-run, serve remote and underserved populations who have few, if any, alternatives for care.
Prayer requests continue to come in from frontline workers, hospital leaders, and patients affected by these disruptions.
Potential Consequences of USAID Program Changes
While auditing and reevaluating federal spending is a normal and necessary part of government oversight, rapid or unanticipated changes can have unintended consequences—especially when programs support essential health services.
Here are some areas where potential impact is being closely watched:
1. Health Services Disruption
- In 2023, USAID invested roughly $2.5 billion in global HIV/AIDS programs, benefiting millions through antiretroviral therapy and prevention services. Interruptions to these programs may lead to treatment lapses, increased transmission, and preventable deaths.
(Source: PEPFAR/USAID Annual Reports)
- Tuberculosis and malaria programs, also supported by USAID, may see setbacks in testing, treatment, and prevention. Delays or shortages in antimalarial medications or insecticide-treated bed nets could increase the burden of disease, especially in high-risk regions.
(Source: USAID Global Health Data)
2. Food Aid and Nutrition Programs
- USAID spent an estimated $2 billion in 2023 on food aid, much of it sourced from U.S. farmers and distributed to regions facing conflict, drought, or famine.
(Source: USAID Feed the Future Program)
- The potential loss of this support could impact children facing malnutrition, with studies suggesting an increase in childhood deaths from hunger-related causes if food programs are halted.
(Source: The Lancet, UNICEF)
3. Support for Faith-Based Organizations
Many faith-based organizations—including Catholic Relief Services, World Vision, and Samaritan’s Purse—have been longstanding USAID partners. These groups have leveraged public funds alongside private donations to provide clean water, disaster relief, maternal health services, and more.
Changes to USAID program funding have forced some of these organizations to place projects on hold and furlough staff, impacting the communities they serve.
(Source: Associated Press, Christianity Today)
A Call for Thoughtful Stewardship
We believe in the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparent governance. We also believe that good stewardship requires careful consideration of how policies affect human lives—especially the lives of the poor and vulnerable.
We are not advocating for or against any political party. Rather, we are appealing for thoughtful decision-making that upholds both American values and the dignity of every person.
We respectfully ask those in positions of influence to consider the long-term effects of reducing or restructuring USAID programs. If changes are necessary, we hope they can be implemented gradually and with safeguards that protect the people who rely on these services.
Please Join Us in Prayer
- For patients and families affected by service disruptions.
- For our partner hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.
- For leaders and decision-makers, that they would act with wisdom, compassion, and discernment.
We remain committed to our mission of providing lifesaving care and hope, in partnership with others who serve with faith and humility around the world.
