Fact Check: "USAID-funded programs prevented nearly 92 million deaths from 2001 to 2021."
What We Know
The claim that USAID-funded programs prevented nearly 92 million deaths from 2001 to 2021 is supported by various studies and reports. According to a recent article from Boston University, USAID programs have significantly contributed to reducing mortality rates in low-income and middle-income countries. Specifically, it mentions that USAID funding has averted about 3.65 million deaths in just the last year alone due to its tuberculosis prevention programs.
Additionally, a report indicates that USAID funding had prevented approximately 91 million deaths in developing countries between 2001 and 2021. This figure is derived from modeling studies that assess the impact of foreign aid on health outcomes.
USAID, established in 1961, has been a major provider of international assistance, with average annual disbursements of about $23 billion from 2001 to 2024, making it one of the largest aid agencies globally (source-2).
Analysis
While the claim about preventing nearly 92 million deaths is backed by modeling studies and reports, it is essential to consider the reliability and context of these sources. The Boston University article highlights the work of mathematician Brooke Nichols, who has created impact trackers to estimate the potential consequences of USAID funding cuts. Nichols' calculations are based on real-time data and peer-reviewed methods, which lend credibility to her findings.
However, the figure of 91 million deaths averted should be interpreted cautiously. The NBC report that cites this number does not provide detailed methodology or the specific models used to arrive at this estimate. Without access to the underlying data and assumptions, it is challenging to fully validate the accuracy of the claim.
Moreover, while USAID has undoubtedly played a crucial role in global health initiatives, attributing a specific number of lives saved solely to its funding can be problematic. Multiple factors influence health outcomes, including local healthcare systems, socio-economic conditions, and other international aid efforts.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that USAID-funded programs prevented nearly 92 million deaths from 2001 to 2021 is supported by some reports and modeling studies, but the lack of detailed methodology and transparency in the data makes it difficult to verify conclusively. While USAID has had a significant impact on global health, the specific figure should be approached with caution until more comprehensive data is available.
