The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has suspended health contracts worldwide, leaving critical healthcare programs and assistance in jeopardy.

The decision, part of a review aimed at aligning
foreign aid with the Trump administration’s “America First” policy, has resulted in the termination of more than 90% of global health
programs, including those addressing HIV, malaria, maternal health, and other vital services.

The sudden and widespread cuts have sparked
widespread concern among health experts and organizations, who warn that the move will have devastating consequences for millions of people worldwide.

“The US funding cuts are dismantling the system. HIV treatment is crumbling. TB services are collapsing… Lives are on the line,” said International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn, whose organization is not directly affected by the cuts.

In South Africa, several of the largest US-funded HIV/AIDS programs have been informed that their funding will not resume, leaving vulnerable groups, including LGBT+ individuals and sex workers, without access to critical healthcare services.

A major global non-profit working on malaria and maternal and newborn health has also had most of its contracts cancelled.

The US State Department has remained tight-lipped about the criteria used for the terminations, and it remains unclear how many organizations worldwide have been affected.

However, documents reviewed by Reuters confirm that UNAIDS, the UN agency dedicated to tackling HIV and AIDS, has had its contract with USAID cancelled.

The move has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the cuts will undermine global health progress and put millions of lives at risk.

“This is a devastating blow to global health efforts,” said a spokesperson for the Global Health Council. “The US has long been a leader in global health, and these cuts will have far-reaching consequences for some of
the world’s most vulnerable populations.”

CARICOM and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) have partnered to strengthen biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across the Caribbean. This collaboration aims to enhance data collection, support sustainable ecosystem management, and protect the region’s rich biodiversity. By advancing the understanding of ecosystems and species trends, CARICOM and UNEP-WCMC are empowering Caribbean nations to make more informed environmental decisions. The initiative includes training local experts, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering partnerships to promote resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. This joint effort supports global conservation goals while preserving the Caribbean’s natural heritage for future generations. Join us in celebrating this significant step toward a healthier, more biodiverse Caribbean! 

Welcome to the highly anticipated 23rd volume of Diaspora Watch, your indispensable source connecting the vibrant African diaspora around the world! This edition is packed with captivating stories and in-depth analysis.

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In a significant move towards universal healthcare, Canada’s parliament has passed a bill to fully fund contraception and diabetes medications. This new legislation is particularly impactful for the one in five Canadians who struggle with the high costs of prescription drugs. In 2023 alone, Canadians spent C$41 billion on prescriptions, with over C$8 billion paid out-of-pocket.

The bill aims to cover 100% of the costs for individuals without existing insurance and is expected to increase federal spending by C$1.9 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised the bill as “real progress” and urged provincial leaders to support the legislation’s swift implementation. British Columbia has already signed a memorandum of understanding, but other provinces like Alberta and Quebec have raised concerns about federal overreach into provincial healthcare jurisdictions.

Despite these concerns, reproductive health advocates celebrate the bill, as it will provide access to contraception for around nine million women of reproductive age, as well as crucial diabetes medications for the 3.7 million Canadians living with the condition. While critics argue that a single-payer model could limit drug access and increase taxpayer burdens, the legislation represents a major step forward in Canada’s journey toward comprehensive drug coverage.

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