Archive · 2 Oct 2025
US Aid Cuts Disrupt Malaria Fight in Cameroon, Raising Deaths
Imagine the US was helping to stop a really bad disease in a faraway place called Cameroon.
They sent money to help people get better and gave them tools to stop the disease from spreading.
Suddenly, the US stopped sending so much money.
This meant there weren't as many people to help others and the medicine started to run out.
More people got sick and even died because they couldn't get the help they needed.
Now, people in Cameroon are worried that the disease will become a bigger problem again.
US foreign aid cuts are linked to rising malaria fatalities in Cameroon.
The cuts have disrupted the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).
Community health workers, supported by PMI, are no longer fully operational.
There is a shortage of life-saving artesunate drugs.
Malaria death rates, which had been declining, appear to be rising again.
- Who
- Local health officials, community health workers, and families in Cameroon.
- What
- US foreign aid cuts are disrupting malaria prevention and treatment in Cameroon.
- When
- The cuts began in January and are impacting the current malaria season.
- Where
- Cameroon, particularly the Far North region.
- Why
- The US government paused foreign aid, leading to shortages of essential resources and personnel in the fight against malaria.
Perspective of Health Officials/Families
Trump Administration's Stance
Impact of Aid Cuts
Perspective of Health Officials/Families
Aid cuts have led to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and a rise in malaria deaths.
Trump Administration's Stance
The administration says they are reforming foreign aid and denies any deaths due to the cuts.
Funding of Health Programs
Perspective of Health Officials/Families
Concerns about the effects of funding cuts on life-saving malaria initiatives.
Trump Administration's Stance
Focus on reforming foreign aid that didn’t align with America First goals.
- Cause of Increased Fatalities
- US foreign aid cuts
- PMI Launch Year
- 2005
- Affected Region
- Far North region of Cameroon
- Community Health Workers Affected
- 2,105 out of 2,354 U.S.-funded
- Malaria Deaths in 2020
- 1,519
- Malaria Deaths in 2024
- 653
- 2026 PMI Budget Cut Request
- 47%