The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze halted major malaria vaccine research. The USAID Malaria Vaccine Development Program (MVDP) told partners to stop work immediately. The freeze disrupts collaboration between U.S. and international researchers.
Affected teams included experts from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Oxford. The program aimed to reduce child deaths by developing improved malaria vaccines.
The funding freeze also halted medicine shipments and raised global health concerns. Malaria kills about 450,000 children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa each year.
How Does the Aid Freeze Affect Malaria Vaccine Research?
Two malaria vaccines were made available in 2024. MVDP-funded research aimed to improve them. Researchers warn that stopping trials mid-study comes with serious risks. Trial participants need continued monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The aid freeze will last at least 90 days while officials review spending. However, many experts doubt the reviewers’ expertise after key firings at USAID. Jason Gray, acting administrator of USAID, placed 57 officials on leave. He accused them of trying to bypass Trump’s executive order.
Instead of pausing new funds, the order also halts existing programs. Aid groups cannot use U.S. funding they already received. As a result, prepared medical supplies remain undelivered.
Experts warn that even if projects resume after 90 days, the damage is done. The State Department issued a waiver for life-saving humanitarian aid. Still, researchers say the freeze could set global health efforts back years.
What Other Global Health Issues Are Affected by the Funding Freeze?
The Trump administration’s funding freeze also threatens HIV research. Testing of injectable prevention drugs and vaginal rings was paused. Without funding, some participants can’t continue treatment. This increases the risk of drug resistance, making future HIV infections more dangerous.
Additionally, a project in South Africa that makes antiretroviral ingredients is at risk. New funding is needed to continue the work and avoid layoffs. HIV patients may also transmit the virus due to interrupted treatment.
Many clinics, even those with medicine, may close as U.S. funds freeze. The halt affects organizations supporting 6.5 million HIV orphans across 23 countries.
In 2023, the U.S. disbursed $72 billion in aid, making up 42% of global humanitarian aid. The U.S. funds 47% of the UN’s response plan for Sudan and 70% for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Medical aid programs are also in crisis. A group has stopped delivering food and water at Syria’s Al-Hol refugee camp. A Thailand-based group treating Myanmar war victims has cut food rations and salaries.
The freeze also disrupts disease monitoring and outbreak response. USAID and CDC are barred from working with the World Health Organization (WHO). This includes monitoring Ebola in the Congo and tracking global flu outbreaks. The WHO also coordinates flu vaccine development, which is now at risk.
Conclusion
The U.S. funding freeze has disrupted critical global health programs. Malaria, HIV, and other outbreak response efforts now face serious setbacks. Experts warn the damage could last long after the freeze ends.
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Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
