Doctors Without Borders is zeroing in on paediatric and maternal care in response to recent funding reductions, including USAID cuts. Despite these challenges, international aid organizations are adopting a priority-based approach in their operations as they navigate uncertain terrain.
USAID Cuts: Doctors Without Borders Puts Mothers And Children First
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, has announced a focus on maternity wards, neonatal units, and paediatric care in countries with limited healthcare. Paediatric services provide treatment for severe malnutrition, infectious diseases, and emergency care, while maternal care ensures safe childbirth and antenatal support.
Kenneth Lavelle, MSF Director of Operations, in a YouTube video, confirmed the new organizational stance amid the funding cuts for aid operations in Africa. Lavelle disclosed that over the last year, MSF has donated crucial funding to the Sudanese Family Planning Association, supporting free maternal care in the region.
“We established a partnership with the Sudanese Family Planning Association, a national NGO. MSF provided financial support to them so that they can continue to offer free maternal care to non–complicated deliveries in El Genenia Hospital,” said Lavelle.
Kenneth Lavelle, MSF Director of Operations, speaks about West Darfur and how MSF is financially supporting (funding) a local NGO to sustain maternity services, due to the US fund cuts.
Watch: https://t.co/EOKRlLsFGM
— MSF East Africa (@MSF_EastAfrica) January 14, 2026
Meanwhile, global health journalist Tulip Mazumdar noted that USAID cuts have stretched the resources of MSI Reproductive Choices in Uganda. Per Mazumdar, the hardest hit are women and young children in Uganda who have previously depended on international aid funding.
Protecting Essential Health Services Amid Global Funding Challenges
Doctors Without Borders has long been involved in providing free and essential healthcare in remote regions. With USAID cuts affecting several countries, protecting essential services has become more urgent. Patient numbers have skyrocketed in facilities offering free maternal and childcare medical services.
In 2025, major cuts to United States foreign assistance, including funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has affected global health systems and humanitarian responses. Particularly, these cuts have adversely impacted programs addressing maternal and child health, nutrition, vaccination efforts, and care for infectious diseases.
Although organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) do not accept direct USAID funding, the withdrawal of support has undermined health services delivered by partner organisations and local providers. This places additional pressure on organisations operating independently, including MSF teams responding to rising needs on the ground.
