Sat May 03 22:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Former USAID Official Warns of Devastating Damage to Global Health Infrastructure

**Cambridge, MA** – Former USAID official and Harvard professor Atul Gawande delivered a stark warning Monday about the Trump administration’s dismantling of the agency, highlighting the devastating impact on global health initiatives and urging continued commitment to science and medicine. Gawande, who headed USAID’s Bureau for Global Health until recently, described the agency’s near-total staff firing and program termination as causing irreparable damage affecting millions.

He detailed USAID’s remarkable achievements, including the creation of a 50-country disease surveillance network that drastically reduced response times to outbreaks like Ebola and bird flu. Programs aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality added years to the lives of millions, and initiatives combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria yielded significant improvements. Even with the agency’s reduced budget, the impact was substantial.

However, Gawande emphasized that the damage inflicted is far-reaching. He cited recent government actions halting Harvard research funding as an example of a broader attack on the health and science infrastructure, including cuts at the NIH and CDC. This funding freeze directly impacts Ariadne Labs, a research center Gawande founded, jeopardizing crucial research in surgery, childbirth, and primary care.

While acknowledging that USAID cannot be fully restored to its former state, Gawande stressed the importance of preserving existing infrastructure and talent. He emphasized the continuing need for technical assistance in global health initiatives, stating that consistent support is crucial for achieving lasting improvements in vaccination rates and other key health metrics.

Though expressing uncertainty about America’s near-term role in global health leadership, Gawande remains hopeful. He believes that other nations and individuals will step up if the U.S. fails to maintain its commitment. His message to students was clear: the need for their expertise in global health remains paramount, regardless of the current political climate.

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