President John Dramani Mahama has raised alarm over the wider consequences of the cessation of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operations, warning that the development could push about 5.7 million Africans into poverty by the end of 2026.

Speaking at the 79th World Health Assembly on Monday, May 18, he said recent global aid shifts are already producing severe humanitarian and health consequences, with vulnerable populations bearing the greatest burden.

He cited data suggesting that abrupt funding withdrawals, including those linked to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programmes in parts of Africa, have led to clinic closures, disruption of gender-based violence interventions, and uncertainty for millions of people living with HIV regarding continuity of treatment, particularly in South Africa, where an estimated 1.4 million patients are affected.

President Mahama further warned that projections indicate as many as nine million preventable deaths could occur by 2030 if the current trajectory of reduced health assistance continues, describing the outlook as deeply concerning for global health security.

“It is estimated that the direct consequences of this aid suspension could push about 5.7 million Africans into poverty by the end of 2026,” stressing that the implications go beyond health to broader socio-economic stability.

The remarks come in the wake of the formal shutdown of USAID operations on July 1, 2025, ending more than six decades of American-led development assistance that had supported critical sectors across Africa, including health, education, agriculture and governance.

According to reports, the closure followed an internal review process initiated under the United States’ “America First” policy direction, which cited concerns over inefficiencies and mismanagement within foreign aid systems, ultimately reshaping how development assistance is delivered globally.