The Uncertain Future of Foreign Assistance and Global Health
From the start of Donald Trump’s campaign throughout his first 100 days as the 45th President of the United States, “America First” has been a recurring theme in his speeches. The “America First” plan has promised action without specifics, leaving many with two major questions: 1) What will the U.S. be like during Trump’s administration? and 2) What role will the U.S. play in foreign affairs and development going forward?
As the world struggles with myriad global development issues, we must ensure that investments in foreign assistance and global health programs continue.
What We Know
Historically, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have demonstrated strong support for global development programs focused on global health, food security, humanitarian response, and investments. During the Obama administration, we witnessed the development of the U.S. Global Development Policy, which focused on economic growth and governance. This initiative built upon existing programs, improved coordination, and boosted funding to select sectors. Key initiatives included Global Food Security Initiative (Feed the Future), Power Africa, the Global Health Security Agenda, and the Global Health Initiative.
Just over 100 days into the Trump administration, we are seeing a great deal of push back about the role of the United States in providing foreign assistance to other countries. The Trump Administration has questioned the use of aid in Africa and proposed a “skinny budget” with 28 percent cuts to USAID and State Department budgets. Defense spending is clearly a priority over foreign aid, as demonstrated by the $54 billion request to increase the Department of Defense fiscal year 2018 budget for the fight against terrorism. These moves have raised uncertainty within the foreign aid community about how to ensure that the U.S. meets its goals for foreign assistance and global health.
Call to Action
As budget negotiations continue, we as advocates have to play our part to ensure that the U.S continues to uphold its commitment to foreign aid and global health. Here are two main ways to get involved:
1. Advocacy: In the fierce FY18 budget debate, advocacy is key to ensuring that the U.S. continues its leadership and investments in foreign affairs and global health. Advocacy cannot be left to those in Washington D.C. — we have to get involved on the local and state levels, too. Advocacy can mean calling and speaking with your representatives, starting a petition, rallying, and using grassroots efforts to engage others to join you.
2. Public Awareness: More Americans need to be made aware of the importance of foreign assistance and global health programs. According to a 2105 survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation, Americans believed that foreign affairs and global health made up 26% of the federal budget, though they actually comprise less than 1% of our spending. Public awareness campaigns must focus on informing the American public of the impact of foreign assistance and global health programs on the lives of women and their families in low and middle-income countries and the strong economic return for taxpayers.
Through its investments in foreign aid, the U.S. provides tremendous educational and economic opportunities abroad, aiding countries in expanding their capacity to respond to health needs and fostering a safer world.
Through its investments in foreign aid, the U.S. provides tremendous educational and economic opportunities abroad, aiding countries in expanding their capacity to respond to health needs and fostering a safer world. Through programs like PEPFAR, Let Girls Learn, and USAID’s assistance in Colombia, we have seen how the use of aid can empower individuals to thrive. It is now up to advocates, the American public, and current and rising leaders to ensure that the U.S. continues to support and invest in foreign assistance.
To learn more about U.S. investment in global health, visit the Global Health Council’s Global Health Briefing book.
Lanice Williams is a Policy Associate and a 2016–2017 Global Health Corps fellow at the Global Health Council in Washington, DC. Follow her on Twitter.
