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The new administration in the USA: impact of policy changes in development assistance on low- and middle-income countries, with the example of Nepal.

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Title: The new administration in the USA: impact of policy changes in development assistance on low- and middle-income countries, with the example of Nepal.
Authors: Paudel D; Nepal Public Health Association, Lalitpur, Nepal.; Center for International Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany., Froeschl G; Center for International Health, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.; Teaching and Training Unit, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine at University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
Source: Global health action [Glob Health Action] 2025 Dec; Vol. 18 (1), pp. 2543103. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Aug 20.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Taylor & Francis Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 101496665 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1654-9880 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16549880 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Glob Health Action Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: <2016- > : Philadelphia, PA : Taylor & Francis
Original Publication: Häggeby : Co-Action Publishing
MeSH Terms: Developing Countries* , International Cooperation* , Health Policy*, Nepal ; Humans ; United States ; Global Health
Abstract: Investing in health drives individual wellbeing, productivity, educational achievements, and economic growth. Collective global efforts have historically eradicated diseases like smallpox and are making progress against others, such as polio and malaria. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), public health spending is insufficient, with per capita expenditure far below what is needed to deliver and sustain essential health services. High-income countries, such as the United States, are contributing to LMICs to bridge these gaps through bilateral and multilateral development assistance. The United States Government's longstanding support in Nepal has helped to strengthen the health systems and resulted remarkable achievements. However, the new United States administration's abrupt decisions to halt the development assistance and closure of most of the projects will significantly impact global health initiatives, jeopardize health gains, and pose a risk to global health security. This call-for-action urge stakeholders to evaluate the current and potential impact of these decisions and adopt a cohesive approach to maintain development cooperation. LMICs also must reassess their health investments and implement reforms to build resilient, self-sustaining health systems.
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Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Development assistance in health; LMIC; Nepal; USAID; global health
Local Abstract: [plain-language-summary] Main findings: The decisions made by the new administration in the United States have posed substantial challenges to the health sectors of many low- and middle-income countries. Added knowledge: Low- and middle-income countries must prioritize the sustainability and resilience of their health systems by allocating domestic revenue towards essential health services. Development assistance should be strategically leveraged to enhance health system infrastructure, capacity, and innovation. Global health impact for policy and action: To safeguard and advance global health outcomes, there is an urgent need to establish a unified and sustainable framework for development assistance in health.
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20250820 Date Completed: 20250820 Latest Revision: 20250827
Update Code: 20250903
PubMed Central ID: PMC12372475
DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2543103
PMID: 40833301
Database: MEDLINE
Description
Abstract:Investing in health drives individual wellbeing, productivity, educational achievements, and economic growth. Collective global efforts have historically eradicated diseases like smallpox and are making progress against others, such as polio and malaria. In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), public health spending is insufficient, with per capita expenditure far below what is needed to deliver and sustain essential health services. High-income countries, such as the United States, are contributing to LMICs to bridge these gaps through bilateral and multilateral development assistance. The United States Government's longstanding support in Nepal has helped to strengthen the health systems and resulted remarkable achievements. However, the new United States administration's abrupt decisions to halt the development assistance and closure of most of the projects will significantly impact global health initiatives, jeopardize health gains, and pose a risk to global health security. This call-for-action urge stakeholders to evaluate the current and potential impact of these decisions and adopt a cohesive approach to maintain development cooperation. LMICs also must reassess their health investments and implement reforms to build resilient, self-sustaining health systems.
ISSN:1654-9880
DOI:10.1080/16549716.2025.2543103