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Recent reductions in foreign aid are jeopardising significant advancements made in maternal health, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. With the alarming reversal of progress in curbing maternal mortality rates, experts warn that the consequences are dire, especially for vulnerable populations in countries such as the Central African Republic.
A Troubling Trend in Maternal Mortality
Over the past two decades, global efforts to reduce maternal mortality have seen notable achievements, with rates dropping by approximately 40 per cent. However, new data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that this progress is stalling, exacerbated by severe cuts in international aid. The recent reductions, particularly by the United States and the United Kingdom, threaten to undo years of hard-fought improvements.
As foreign assistance programmes face drastic cuts—57 per cent slashed from US foreign aid last year alone—global aid has seen a decline of 23 per cent in 2025 compared to 2024, with forecasts predicting a further 5.8 per cent drop in 2026. Countries in Africa, especially those like the Central African Republic, are already experiencing the impact, which has the second-highest neonatal mortality rate in the world, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support.
Voices from the Frontline: Busayna’s Story
In regions like the Central African Republic, the repercussions of these cuts are acutely felt. Busayna, a 25-year-old mother who fled violence in Darfur, recently shared her harrowing experience of giving birth amid tragic circumstances. With no money or proper medical care, she made a perilous journey to a clinic while in labour, nearly losing her life in the process.
The loss of midwives and the shuttering of mobile clinics have compounded the crisis. “My cousin died after giving birth because we could not afford the necessary medicine,” Busayna recounted, her pain palpable. “I am alone and struggling to provide for my children.” Such stories are increasingly common as healthcare systems crumble under the weight of funding cuts.
The Stark Reality of Funding Reductions
The WHO has reported a significant slowdown in the global decline of maternal mortality rates, with the average annual decrease dropping from 2.6 per cent (2000-2010) to just 1.5 per cent (2013-2023). Notably, the current global maternal mortality rate stands at 197 deaths per 100,000 live births, with severe complications from bleeding, infections, and unsafe abortions accounting for the majority of fatalities.
Recent studies indicate that the ramifications of aid cuts could be catastrophic, projecting an additional 23 million deaths worldwide by 2030. In West Africa alone, the termination of USAID programmes could lead to a staggering 45 per cent rise in maternal deaths across six vulnerable nations, including Burkina Faso and Chad.
The UK’s Role in the Crisis
The situation is similarly concerning in the UK, where government cuts to foreign aid are projected to drop bilateral support for African nations from £1.3 billion annually to £677 million over the next three years—a reduction of 56 per cent. This decline threatens crucial health initiatives in countries already struggling with high maternal mortality rates.
As funding dwindles, the UN Population Fund’s London office has sounded the alarm, stating that the progress made over the last 20 years is now at risk. “When funding is cut, services are shut down and women die. It is that simple,” said Monica Ferro, highlighting the direct correlation between financial support and maternal health outcomes.
Why it Matters
The reversal of advancements in maternal health due to funding cuts is not just a statistic; it represents the lives of women and children at risk. As nations grapple with economic challenges, the moral imperative to uphold health services for the most vulnerable must not be overlooked. Ensuring access to quality maternal care is essential not only for the health of families but also for the broader socio-economic stability of communities across the Asia-Pacific and beyond. The stakes are high, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further loss of life.