Sir, – Elon Musk’s recent assertion to the Economist that ‘zero’ deaths have been caused by USAid cuts could not be further from the truth. Perhaps it is too easy to ignore the grim reality captured by Winnie Byanyima, the head of UNAids, who said he had “passed a slow death sentence” on an innumerable number of people with HIV. Their medication has been withdrawn. Their local clinics have shut, and their community support services no longer exist.
Modelling by The Lancet suggests that there could be 22 million avoidable deaths by 2030, including more than five million under five.
We know that Official Development Assistance (ODA) works. Over the last two decades, ODA has been a critical tool in improving global health. Sub-Saharan Africa – still the worst affected region – has made huge gains in driving down HIV, cutting infections by 57 per cent since 2010.
Unfortunately, the US is not alone in cutting its aid budget – the UK and 17 EU member states reduced their aid budgets in 2025. We can be proud that Ireland continues to stand in solidarity and co-operation with the most marginalised around the world, delivering life-saving support in the world’s most forgotten and long lasting crises. But we can do more.
RM Block
The world needs leadership from countries known for their credibility, consistency and ability to trust. By fulfilling our commitment to progressively increase ODA spending in Budget 2027, we can put our values into action. We can demonstrate what it looks like to lead through co-operation and credibility rather than dominance and defence. – Yours, etc,
JANE-ANN McKENNA,
CEO,
Dóchas, the Irish Network of Humanitarian and Development Organisations,
Dublin 8.
