Aid cuts could have ‘pandemic-like effects’ on maternal deaths, WHO warns
GuardianAPR 4
WHO Warns Aid Cuts Could Threaten Maternal Health
Above: An illustration displaying the logo of the World Health Organization, on Feb. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Despite detailing the great strides countries have made to tackle maternal mortality in the last two decades, the U.N. report also shows how precariously balanced this progress is. Recent callous cuts in international aid risk overturning our achievements and making the Sustainable Development Goals borderline impossible to meet. Unless developed countries reverse their aid cuts, this will lead to many more women pointlessly suffering.
Narrative B
The U.N.’s claim that a reduction in international aid will worsen health outcomes for women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the folly of reliance on the West to meet health care needs. The only way countries, particularly in Africa, will be able to correct this mistake is by increasing domestic investments in health care and through targeted policies and interventions, such as expanding coverage and funding community health care programs prioritizing maternal and neonatal health.
Pro-Trump narrative
The U.N. report on maternal mortality revealed a 40% reduction over two decades, but instead of celebrating this, U.N. agencies and others have propagated alarmist rhetoric about the recent cuts in international aid, hinting specifically at the United States. Despite this, Marco Rubio has already made it clear that “life-saving work” will continue as part of U.S. outreach, meaning women in less developed countries will continue to receive key medical support.