Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Nepal Aid Workers Turn to Sex Work After USAID Cuts
In Nepal, many LGBTQ+ aid workers who lost their jobs due to USAID funding cuts have turned to sex work to survive.
These workers, who once helped others, now face significant risks, including violence and HIV transmission.
The cuts have also led to a lack of access to essential health services, potentially increasing HIV prevalence.
The Trump administration claims the cuts were made to improve efficiency, but the impact on the ground is severe, with many workers seeing no way out of their current situation.
USAID funding cuts have left 281,000 aid workers worldwide jobless, including 35,000 in Nepal.
Many LGBTQ+ aid workers in Nepal have turned to sex work to survive, with 35-45% of former staff engaging in the industry.
The cuts have led to a lack of access to HIV prevention medication and an increase in risky behavior among sex workers.
HIV testing has decreased by 22% in countries with high infection rates, and condom funding has been cut by more than 90% in some places.
The Trump administration claims the cuts were made to improve efficiency and encourage other countries to contribute more.
- Who
- LGBTQ+ aid workers in Nepal, particularly transgender individuals
- What
- The impact of USAID funding cuts on their livelihoods and health
- When
- After the U.S. President Donald Trump froze funding for USAID in January 2025
- Where
- Nepal, particularly the central region and Kathmandu
- Why
- To focus on efficiency and effectiveness, and to encourage other countries to contribute more, according to the Trump administration
USAID Funding Cuts
Impact on Nepal's LGBTQ+ Community
Funding Efficiency
USAID Funding Cuts
The Trump administration claims the cuts were made to focus on efficiency and effectiveness, and to encourage other countries to contribute more.
Impact on Nepal's LGBTQ+ Community
The cuts have led to a significant loss of jobs and essential services, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community in Nepal.
Health Implications
USAID Funding Cuts
The U.S. State Department asserts that the U.S. spends more on health and humanitarian assistance than any other country.
Impact on Nepal's LGBTQ+ Community
The cuts have resulted in a lack of access to HIV prevention medication and an increase in risky behavior among sex workers, potentially leading to a spike in HIV prevalence.
- Funding Source
- USAID
- Number of Aid Workers Affected
- 281,000 worldwide, 35,000 in Nepal
- Percentage of Former Staff Turned to Sex Work
- 35-45%
- HIV Testing Decrease
- 22% in countries with high infection rates
- Condom Funding Cut
- More than 90% in some places
- PrEP Distribution Halted
- To everyone but pregnant and lactating women