This episode of the Princeton Pulse Podcast addresses the public health implications of U.S. foreign aid cuts, which have sent shock waves across the world. With the stroke of a pen, billions of dollars were abruptly pulled from projects dedicated to HIV prevention, treatments for deadly diseases, basic health care for children, and other essential services – rolling back decades of progress with severe consequences that could affect generations to come.

Without U.S. support, countless lives are at risk. While populations in low-income countries will hurt the most, citizens of all countries will pay the price, including Americans, as global health systems collapse, infectious diseases soar, and the world is less prepared for emerging health threats.

Host Heather Howard, a professor at Princeton University and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, is joined by two distinguished guests. Pascaline Dupas, Professor of Economics and Public Affairs and Director of the Center for Health and Wellbeing at Princeton University, and also a scientific director for JPAL, is a development economist. Over the past two decades, Dupas has conducted research aimed at reducing global poverty and identifying evidence-based solutions for critical health challenges in low-income settings. Also joining the show is Cindy Huang from the Center for Global Development, who has over 20 years of experience leading humanitarian and international development efforts across government and non-profit sectors.

The panel discusses the reach and effectiveness of global health programs, why U.S. foreign aid cuts will impede the discovery and adoption of life-saving interventions, how countries can become less reliant on external aid, and hope for the path forward.

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Learn more about Pascaline Dupas’s research on her website.

The following articles summarize studies referenced in the podcast:
Subsidizing secondary education has huge benefits, for this generation and the next
Free contraception had no impact on birth rates in Burkina Faso

Read how randomized evaluations measured the effectiveness of distributing free preventive health products in eight countries.
The impact of price on take-up and use of preventive health products

Read about the success of PEPFAR.

The Princeton Pulse Podcast is a production of Princeton University's Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHW). The show is hosted by Heather Howard, a professor at Princeton University and former New Jersey Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, produced by Aimee Bronfeld, and edited by Alex Brownstein. You can subscribe to The Princeton Pulse Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your favorite podcasts.