The Impact of U.S. Aid Cuts on a Liberian Community: A Farmer’s Struggle
In the heart of Africa, in a small village named Sarworlor in Liberia, Roseline Phay, a determined farmer, embarks on a critical journey. At 32 years old, Roseline is a mother of two young daughters, and like many in her community, she faces the daunting prospect of raising her family in an environment of scarcity and uncertainty.
A Desperate Quest for Contraceptives
Five months ago, Roseline set off on a mission that many women in her village understand all too well: the search for contraceptives. With the weight of two young daughters on her shoulders, she is resolute in her decision not to have more children. Her efforts began with a trip to a local health worker, only to find the contraceptive pills, implants, and condoms depleted. Undeterred, she trekked for hours down red clay roads to reach the nearest clinic, only to be met with the same empty shelves.
Her repeated attempts were rooted in hope, but she was unaware of the political shifts that would render her efforts futile. The cutting of U.S. foreign aid, particularly through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was about to profoundly impact not only her life but the lives of millions in Liberia.
The Erosion of Health Support
The abrupt suspension of aid by former U.S. President Donald Trump left Liberty’s clinics devoid of essential medications, including the contraceptives Roseline desperately needed. Within a short span, her once-promising quest turned into an ordeal that culminated in an unplanned pregnancy. “I’m suffering," she lamented, cradling her daughter Pauline while carrying the burden of her impending child. With the harsh realities of farming and the closure of her options, her plight became more complicated.
In her struggle, Roseline experienced the repercussions of failed access to healthcare services firsthand. As she continued to work throughout her pregnancy, she was forced to wean Pauline off breastfeeding, leading to malnutrition and health risks for her child, a tragic outcome due to the cuts in therapeutic foods and medical supplies.
The Ripple Effect: A Nation’s Response
Roseline’s story is part of a much larger narrative playing out across Liberia, where U.S. aid constituted a significant part—almost 2.6%—of the nation’s gross national income. Richlue O. Burphy, a former USAID worker, aptly expressed the sentiment: “Everywhere you go, you see the USAID signs.” For many, U.S. support was not merely financial but a symbol of a deep-rooted partnership established over decades.
Liberia’s history is entwined with America; founded by freed slaves and free-born Black individuals in the early 1800s, the country adopted a political system akin to that of the United States. Given this historical bond, many Liberians expected an exemption from aid cuts, especially after enduring civil wars and the repercussions of the Ebola epidemic. However, as the reality set in, it became clear that the support they anticipated was not forthcoming.
The Health Care Crisis Deepens
The cuts indicated a grim future for Liberia’s health system. Deputy Finance Minister Dehpue Y. Zuo stated the cuts posed a “serious challenge,” forcing the government to consider drastic adjustments to the development budget. With an average of nearly $528 million in annual aid between 2014 and 2023, the sudden reduction in funds has led health clinics in Bong County, where Roseline resides, to operate on empty. Key resources such as malaria treatments and medical training programs have evaporated almost overnight.
In an alarming turn of events, health facilities are now facing crises, with critical resources such as hand sanitizer and gloves running dangerously low. Even community health workers, once paid for their services, are left to facilitate care without support. In the case of local child residents like Promise, a four-year-old who recently contracted malaria, access to even basic medications has become a battle against time.
A Shift in Global Relationships
As the U.S. steps back, other players, notably China, are stepping forward. With investments in Liberia’s infrastructure and various industries, Chinese companies are beginning to fill the void left by American cuts. In a rapidly changing landscape, initiatives such as a newly opened cardiology wing—part of the main hospital in the nation’s capital—are signaling a shift in foreign relationships.
While these changes may offer hope, the lingering truth remains: for women like Roseline, the precious right to make choices about their bodies and futures hangs in a precarious balance.
Plea for Access to Basic Health Needs
In a community where family planning is intertwined with empowerment, the lack of access to contraceptives not only impacts women’s physical health but also infringes upon their autonomy. Roseline poignantly highlights the dilemma faced by women in her village: “If … my man touches me, I cannot say no because I need to satisfy him; but if I have no medicine, I will get pregnant.”
Her dreams for her two daughters, particularly for her 9-year-old daughter who lives in Monrovia, are rooted in the hope that they will escape the cycles of hardship that have defined her life. “I don’t want her to suffer like me,” Roseline insists, encapsulating the raw emotion of a mother’s plea for a better future.
As Liberia navigates this tumultuous period wrought with challenges and changes, the voices of its resilient women, like Roseline, continue to resonate—pleading for the support and resources necessary to survive, thrive, and secure a healthier future for generations to come.
