USAID Calls for Immediate Resumption of Critical Health Services

Aid programs funded by the United States to combat diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and severe malnutrition should resume immediately, according to a newly reviewed government memo.

The document also stresses the need to restart efforts aimed at preventing newborn deaths and tackling global disease outbreaks like mpox, avian flu, and Ebola.

Following a 90-day review initiated upon taking office last month, President Trump had ordered a freeze on international aid.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver a week later, exempting “lifesaving” efforts, aid organizations remained uncertain about which programs were included.

The newly issued memo aims to clarify this uncertainty, stating: “These lifesaving activities must resume or continue within the next 30 days of the 90-day pause on foreign assistance to prevent imminent mortality among USAID beneficiaries.”

USAID has yet to officially respond to the memo, dated February 4 and cleared via email on February 6.

Some aid groups reported receiving the document by Friday.

Martin Edlund, CEO of the global nonprofit Malaria No More, welcomed the memo as a vital step toward resuming health interventions. “Even short-term interruptions in malaria prevention and treatment can lead to deadly outbreaks,” he cautioned, emphasizing the need for “start-work” orders to ensure the rapid deployment of mosquito nets, indoor spraying, and medical treatments.

A separate memo, dated February 6, further clarified a waiver issued for the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The memo highlighted in red at the top instructed to resume programs focused on HIV care, treatment, and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission as soon as possible.