Fact Check: "Children under five experience a 32% reduction in deaths due to USAID funding."
What We Know
A recent study published in The Lancet indicates that programs supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have significantly impacted child mortality rates. Specifically, the study found that USAID-supported programs were associated with a 32% reduction in mortality among children under the age of five from 2001 to 2021 (UCLA Fielding). The research analyzed data from 133 countries and highlighted that these programs contributed to the prevention of approximately 91 million deaths during that period, with around 30 million of those being children (UCLA Fielding).
Analysis
The claim that children under five experience a 32% reduction in deaths due to USAID funding is supported by robust statistical analysis conducted by a team of researchers from various institutions, including the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. The study utilized both retrospective evaluations and forecasting models to assess the impact of USAID interventions on mortality rates (UCLA Fielding).
The credibility of the study is strengthened by its peer-reviewed publication in a reputable journal, The Lancet, and the involvement of researchers from multiple countries, which adds to the diversity and reliability of the data analyzed. Furthermore, the study's findings align with other reports indicating that high levels of USAID funding correlate with significant reductions in mortality rates from various causes, particularly in vulnerable populations (NPR).
However, it is essential to consider potential biases. The study may reflect a pro-USAID perspective, given that it emphasizes the positive impact of funding. Nonetheless, the statistical methods employed and the comprehensive nature of the analysis provide a solid foundation for the conclusions drawn.
Conclusion
The claim that children under five experience a 32% reduction in deaths due to USAID funding is True. The evidence from the peer-reviewed study clearly supports this assertion, demonstrating the significant role that USAID funding has played in reducing child mortality rates over the past two decades.
Sources
- USAID cuts may lead to more than 14 million deaths globally, including ... (https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/USAID-cuts-global-impact-14-million-deaths)
- Research finds more than 14 million preventable deaths by 2030 if USAID defunding continues, including more than 4 million children under five (https://ph.ucla.edu/news-events/news/research-finds-more-14-million-preventable-deaths-2030-if-usaid-defunding)
- Study: 14 million lives could be lost due to Trump's USAID cuts - NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/07/01/nx-s1-5452513/trump-usaid-foreign-aid-deaths)
