By Twink Jones Gadama
In a shocking move, USAID Malawi has ordered its implementing partners to immediately stop all work under the Malawi funding agreement, citing an Executive Order issued by US President Donald Trump.
The freeze affects contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, leaving many organizations scrambling to adjust.
The decision has sent shockwaves through the health sector, with Executive Director for Health and Rights Education Program Malawi, Maziko Matemba, warning of a “big blow” to the sector. Matemba’s organization is directly affected by the funding freeze, which will impact demand creation for HIV and health services, as well as recruitment and payment of civil servants in the health sector.
“This is a critical moment for Malawi’s health sector,” Matemba said. “We urge the government to provide a clear plan to fill the resulting gap, ensuring that girls and women continue to access Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Services and preventing new HIV infections.”
The funding freeze is part of a broader review of US foreign aid, initiated by Trump’s Executive Order.
The order aimed to reevaluate and realign US foreign aid to ensure it aligns with American national interests.
USAID has a significant presence in Malawi, working with the government and local organizations to strengthen governance, expand educational and economic opportunities, and promote private sector growth. The agency’s programs have made significant contributions to Malawi’s development, particularly in the health sector.
However, the funding freeze has raised concerns about the impact on USAID’s programs and the communities they serve.
“Field operations will not return to previous implementation levels until at least fiscal year 2043,” according to a report by the US Government Accountability Office.
The report highlights the challenges faced by USAID and its partners in navigating the funding freeze.
Many organizations have had to reduce the scope of their programs, lay off staff, or cancel projects altogether.
As the Malawian government and USAID work to address the funding freeze, concerns remain about the long-term impact on the country’s development.
The health sector, in particular, is vulnerable to disruptions in funding, and the consequences of the freeze will likely be felt for years to come.
In the meantime, Matemba and other stakeholders are urging the government to provide a clear plan to mitigate the effects of the funding freeze. “We need to ensure that the health sector continues to receive the support it needs to deliver essential services to the people of Malawi,” Matemba said.
