- US President Donald Trump made a new announcement, announcing that the US will withdraw from 66 international organizations
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the new US foreign policy, which was adopted after Trump consulted with members of his Cabinet
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has been heavily involved in Kenya’s fight against child pregnancy and maternal mortality.
The new foreign policy of the US president Donald Trump it has affected reproductive and sexual health programs in Kenya, endangering the lives of millions of people, especially women and children.
Source: Facebook
On Wednesday, January 7, the United States announced that it would leave 66 international organizations, including 31 United Nations organizations.
Why did the United States withdraw from the organizations/institutions of the United Nations?
Trump said he took the decision after consulting with members of his Cabinet and considering the interests of the United States.
“I order all departments and executive agencies (organizations) to take immediate steps to achieve the withdrawal of the United States from the organizations listed in article 2 of this treaty as soon as possible.
For United Nations (UN) organizations, withdrawing means ceasing to participate or fund those organizations to the extent permitted by law,” Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.
Geo-economist Aly-Khan Satchu told TUKO.co.ke that Trump does not value international organizations.
He noted that Kenya was strong against previous cuts.
… “It is clear that President Trump does not see value in these international organizations. Until now, Kenya has faced a significant deficit of USAID in its action. I expect the relocation (previously announced) of the United Nations staff will reduce any immediate consequences from the reduction of funding by Trump,” he said.
Why is reproductive health in Kenya at risk?
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which has been heavily involved in Kenya’s fight against child pregnancy, maternal mortality, and reproductive health disparities, is among the most affected programs.
Among the reproductive health programs in Kenya that UNFPA supports are family planning and family planning services, prenatal and maternal health care, HIV prevention for young people, contraception programs, and services to reduce unsafe abortion.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described UNFPA and other international organizations as useless.
“The Trump administration found that these organizations are a threat to our country’s freedom, liberty, and general well-being, are widely neglected, poorly managed, useless, underutilized, poorly run, or controlled by individuals who pursue their own goals contrary to ours,” Rubio said in a statement shared on X.
“Sending the blood, sweat, and treasure of the American people to these institutions for nothing is no longer acceptable. The days of billions of dollars worth of taxpayer money going to foreign interests at the expense of our citizens are long gone,” he added.
How did the United States fund UNFPA?
Historically, the United States is the main donor to UNFPA.
According to Business Daily, contributed more than 130 million dollars (KSh 16.8 billion) to humanitarian efforts and 30.6 million dollars (KSh 3.95 billion) to essential resources in 2023.
By 2024, the United States had contributed 14.5 percent of the organization’s total revenue from world governments.
Source: Facebook
UNFPA relies on funding from the UK, Norway, Sweden, and other European countries for its operations, but a US withdrawal could create funding gaps that jeopardize the agency’s ability to reach its goal of 500,000 girls.
Which countries are on the US visa guarantee list?
In other news, the United States published a list of countries whose citizens must pay a visa guarantee before traveling to that country.
Kenya was saved, but Uganda and Tanzania were included.
The new rules will come into force on Wednesday, January 21.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
