The halt in funding from the U.S. government has left many families, including sick teenagers and vulnerable refugees, in a dire position, igniting fears of a humanitarian crisis as aid programs are slashed.
Trump's Aid Cuts Hit Hard: The Human Cost of USAID Reductions in Bangladesh
Trump's Aid Cuts Hit Hard: The Human Cost of USAID Reductions in Bangladesh
USAID's support for critical health initiatives in Bangladesh is in peril following drastic cuts by the Trump administration, threatening lives already impacted by disease and poverty.
In January, 17-year-old Kajol, the sole breadwinner for her family in a Dhaka slum, was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). Her life was saved thanks to help from USAID-funded local organization Nari Maitree. Now that support has been abruptly withdrawn, placing her treatment—and her family’s survival—at risk.
"Without this help, I've been struggling," Kajol explains. The support provided not only delivered essential medications but also ensured she received proper nutrition throughout her treatment. With Nari Maitree unable to afford the program anymore, hundreds of patients like Kajol now have limited access to crucial healthcare services.
In 2023, USAID efforts led to over a quarter of a million TB cases being identified in Bangladesh. However, the new funding cuts have led to a staggering reduction in assistance—from $500 million in 2024 to a mere $71 million in 2023—which threatens the lives of those dependent on health support. “You ask people on the street, they will say yes, it’s the US that’s keeping tuberculosis in control,” said a director involved in a USAID project in Bangladesh.
While the Bangladeshi government insists that the cuts won’t drastically impact the country, local organizations and activists warn of chaotic repercussions. Programs that supported nearly 500,000 NGO jobs are set to be suspended, which could multiply the country’s economic distress amidst rising inflation and unemployment. Dipa Halder, a frontline worker, has already lost her job due to the funding cuts and feels the weight of her family’s livelihood pressing down on her.
The situation is especially dire for the Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar, who have relied heavily on aid to survive. With the U.S. providing nearly half of all aid to this community, UNICEF officials warn of a humanitarian disaster as supplies dwindle. Children in the camps are facing outbreaks of cholera, and essentials like food and hygiene products are in jeopardy.
Rana Flowers from UNICEF highlights the looming dangers, "Desperate frustrated people within the camps will lead to security concerns. If that escalates, we won't be able to go into the camps to help." As humanitarian initiatives falter, the outlook grows grimmer for many unable to navigate the complex web of health, survival, and international assistance in their pursuit of a stable existence.
"Without this help, I've been struggling," Kajol explains. The support provided not only delivered essential medications but also ensured she received proper nutrition throughout her treatment. With Nari Maitree unable to afford the program anymore, hundreds of patients like Kajol now have limited access to crucial healthcare services.
In 2023, USAID efforts led to over a quarter of a million TB cases being identified in Bangladesh. However, the new funding cuts have led to a staggering reduction in assistance—from $500 million in 2024 to a mere $71 million in 2023—which threatens the lives of those dependent on health support. “You ask people on the street, they will say yes, it’s the US that’s keeping tuberculosis in control,” said a director involved in a USAID project in Bangladesh.
While the Bangladeshi government insists that the cuts won’t drastically impact the country, local organizations and activists warn of chaotic repercussions. Programs that supported nearly 500,000 NGO jobs are set to be suspended, which could multiply the country’s economic distress amidst rising inflation and unemployment. Dipa Halder, a frontline worker, has already lost her job due to the funding cuts and feels the weight of her family’s livelihood pressing down on her.
The situation is especially dire for the Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar, who have relied heavily on aid to survive. With the U.S. providing nearly half of all aid to this community, UNICEF officials warn of a humanitarian disaster as supplies dwindle. Children in the camps are facing outbreaks of cholera, and essentials like food and hygiene products are in jeopardy.
Rana Flowers from UNICEF highlights the looming dangers, "Desperate frustrated people within the camps will lead to security concerns. If that escalates, we won't be able to go into the camps to help." As humanitarian initiatives falter, the outlook grows grimmer for many unable to navigate the complex web of health, survival, and international assistance in their pursuit of a stable existence.
