International Politics and Society | S Adelakun/picture alliance/Reuters
In the wake of the USAID funding cut announcements in January 2025, confusion reigned. Although some programmes were later told they could resume limited activities, the dismantled infrastructure – ending leases, firing staff and stopping essential care – had already destroyed the system. This instability also breached work contracts, causing legal problems for employers and distress for employees. The cuts raised serious ethical concerns by demanding the end of some clinical trials without concern for the proper medical procedures for stopping patient treatment.