A new study published by Lancet Global Health has warned that a drop in global aid could have devastating consequences. According to the research, as many as 22.6 million additional deaths could occur by 2030 in 93 low- and middle-income countries, including 5.4 million children under the age of five.
The study was conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and supported by The Rockefeller Foundation in association with its public charity, RF Catalytic Capital. The researchers analysed how reductions in official development assistance (ODA), or foreign aid, would impact public health and survival rates.
The study highlights that Sub-Saharan Africa is the most vulnerable region, with 38 countries in the analysis at risk. Other regions included in the study are Asia (21 countries, including India), Latin America (12 countries), the Middle East and North Africa (12 countries), and Europe (10 countries, including Ukraine).
Experts warn that severe cuts in global aid could affect healthcare, nutrition, education, and other critical services. Children under five, pregnant women, and vulnerable populations would be particularly at risk.
The findings stress the importance of maintaining or increasing international support to prevent these avoidable deaths and ensure that progress in global health, especially in developing countries, is not reversed. Without adequate aid, millions of lives worldwide could be lost in the coming decade.