Title USAID freeze threatens millions of lives in Latin America, report says

USAID's recent freeze on funding to non-governmental organizations could threaten millions of lives in Latin America, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch. The report finds that over half a million people could lose access to basic healthcare services as a result of the cuts, while tens of thousands of others who rely on humanitarian assistance for their survival may find themselves without help.

USAID disbursed about $1.7 billion in Latin America and the Caribbean between fiscal years 2010 and 2014, but has now frozen new funding decisions until further notice. This freeze is having real consequences on the ground, as organizations that rely on USAID funds are being forced to cut staff, reduce services, or even close altogether.

The impact of these cuts will be felt for years, said HRW's director of global initiatives John Dailey. If we don't act now, millions could die from preventable diseases like cholera and malaria.

In addition to the humanitarian crisis that could result from these cuts, there are also serious concerns about the long-term political stability of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many of these nations have made tremendous progress over the past few decades toward building healthy democracies; however, they remain vulnerable to instability if their citizens' needs are not being met.

The US government should immediately reverse course on this ill-advised decision before it's too late, said Dailey. Millions of lives hang in the balance.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

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