Christian Connections for International Health issues the following statement on the mass termination of foreign assistance contracts. Many Christian organizations were among those who received news that their projects are among the 10,000 canceled February 26.

These cancellations were done after only 30 days, far short of the 90 days the US Administration had said they would take to develop criteria and review programs for alignment with the US Government’s interest. 

Christian Connections for International Health (CCIH) has learned that the US Administration has terminated 90% of foreign assistance programming and frozen over $1.5 billion in resources legally due to partners worldwide for lawful work they have already performed. All of this was done in haste, without considering the long-term effects, sending shock waves to Christian churches, health facilities, and communities in many countries. Our global membership makes this clear: we are suddenly at the precipice of a new international health catastrophe affecting everybody - including American industry and health. This catastrophe should, and could still, be avoided. We urge the Administration to adapt quickly: as it closes the door on current foreign assistance initiatives, it must open windows for new opportunities for development investments. This will signal to a hurting world that the US is still interested in their fate. Faith communities are ready to engage.

Christian Connections for International Health

ccih@ccih.org | www.ccih.org