Portland, OR – The Trump administration’s drastic cuts to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) pose a serious threat to global and domestic public health. These cuts undermine decades of progress and stand in direct opposition to the Oregon Nurses Association’s (ONA) mission to support equitable, effective health care for all. They jeopardize disease prevention, maternal health, and crisis response programs—and put frontline health care workers in Oregon at risk.

The administration has terminated over 90% of USAID’s global health programs, halting services in vulnerable regions. Programs supporting HIV treatment, malaria control, maternal care, and displaced populations have been dismantled. The Global Health Council warns these "unilateral and ill-considered" actions could cost millions of lives. 

Eliminated efforts include the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), pandemic surveillance programs, and malaria initiatives. Public health experts warn of "devastating and fatal consequences" as the world becomes less prepared for emerging outbreaks. NPR reports show potential surges of 18 million malaria infections and 166,000 additional deaths annually. Tuberculosis cases are at their highest level in the U.S. in more than a decade. Experts warn that globally, rates could rise by over 30%. These cuts have already caused layoffs, medicine shortages, and care disruptions globally. 

Oregon-based organizations are already feeling the impact. Medical Teams International, headquartered in Tigard, was forced to suspend services in Sudan and Uganda due to USAID funding loss. CEO Eric Ha called the cuts "a direct blow to the world’s most vulnerable communities." 

Academic institutions and health systems in Oregon engaged in global health partnerships also face uncertainty, as grant funding disappears. This not only disrupts humanitarian efforts but damages the careers of Oregon nurses, physicians, and students committed to international service. 

These short-sighted cuts also threaten our national security. Internal USAID memos warned that halting disease prevention programs abroad would “accelerate global disease spread” and put Americans at risk. Experts agree: ignoring global health risks today will cost lives, and trillions of dollars, tomorrow. 

ONA strongly opposes these reckless cuts. As health care providers, we are called to uphold care, compassion, and science-based public policy. We urge Congress to act immediately to restore this critical funding and protect both global health and the safety of patients and providers here at home.