Dear Secretary Tillerson:
We are writing to share our initial research findings and recommendations on early implications of the US government’s ‘Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance’ policy [hereinafter ‘the policy’]. This research included interviews with representatives of 45 organizations in Kenya and Uganda that currently receive US global health funding, many of whom had planned to apply for renewals or new funds in the coming year. These organizations provide health services or conduct health advocacy and range from small community-based organizations to large nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that work in many different countries. We have been in touch with USAID during this process and have incorporated information provided by USAID in an October 11, 2017 letter responding to our research queries.
As you know, over many decades, the US government has made deep and long-term investments in Kenya and Uganda that have saved lives and contributed to important health gains. However, both countries still confront high incidence of HIV/AIDS and poor reproductive health indicators including high rates of preventable maternal deaths.
We have outlined our key findings below on how early impact of the policy is already beginning to undermine local health systems and health gains and have attached a detailed summary of our research for your consideration ahead of the six-month review of the policy scheduled for November.
