Jonglei State, South Sudan-(LM) A tragic incident has highlighted the dire consequences of recent US aid cuts, as eight individuals, including five children, have died while seeking medical care in South Sudan. The group embarked on a three-hour journey through intense heat to find treatment for cholera, only to be met with closed health facilities due to funding reductions.
The UK-based charity Save the Children reported these deaths, marking them as one of the first fatalities directly linked to funding cuts initiated by US President Donald Trump. Under his “America First” policy, significant reductions were made to global health programs shortly after he took office on January 20.
Prior to the cuts, Save the Children supported 27 health centers in Jonglei State. However, this year, seven of these centers have completely shut down, while 20 have had to significantly curtail their operations. This has resulted in approximately 200 staff layoffs out of a total of nearly 600 employees across the country.
The situation underscores the critical need for sustained funding and support for health services in vulnerable regions, particularly as communities grapple with preventable diseases like cholera. The charity is calling for urgent action to restore vital health services and prevent further loss of life.
Leadership Magazine
