Geneva: A United Nations health agency has raised concerns over the potential impact of Washington's recent foreign aid suspension, warning that it could lead to a sharp rise in maternal deaths in Afghanistan.
Following an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump last month, which placed a 90-day freeze on foreign development assistance, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has had to halt vital services funded by US grants. These services are crucial for women and girls in crisis situations, particularly in South Asia.
Pio Smith, the UNFPA’s regional director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the severity of the situation during a press briefing in Geneva. He highlighted that Afghanistan, already one of the most dangerous countries for women to give birth, could see an estimated 1,200 additional maternal deaths and 109,000 unintended pregnancies between 2025 and 2028 due to the funding shortfall.
"We are deeply concerned about this significant loss of financial support," Smith stated. He acknowledged that UNFPA had anticipated funding reductions under the new administration, given past Republican policies, but did not expect the abrupt halt of already committed funds from USAID.
The decision to cut funding is already having tangible effects on maternal and reproductive health programs, as well as psychosocial support initiatives.
UNFPA estimates that it will require over $308 million this year alone to maintain essential services in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
