Implications of USAID funding withdrawal on the progress of the SDG’s among women and girls in Eswatini
1
Independent, Manzini, Swaziland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1327
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
In Eswatini, USAID-funded health and development programmes played a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that addressed poverty, hunger, inequalities, education and health, 2008-2025. Many of these programmes supported marginalised women and girls The aim of the study is to examine the implications of USAID funding cuts towards the SDGs among women who were recipients of a USAID project
METHODS:
We conducted participatory ethnographic research with eight female participants aged 21-66 years from an Eswatini township. Data were collected using participant observation and interviews, and analysed thematically, using the SDGs as a guiding framework.
RESULTS:
Because many USAID funded programs provided health services, and livelihood, education or economic support, their closure directly detracted from achieving SDG3 (health), SDG1 (Zero poverty) and SGD2 (No hunger) and SDG4 (Universalising quality education). Participants reported emotional stress associated with the funding cuts which led them to opt for unsustainable coping strategies that affected their social relations (e.g. reducing contact with family members). Because many USAID-funded programs targeted marginalised women and girls, they were particularly affected by the closure, setting back achievement of SDG5 (Gender equality) and SDG10 (Reduced inequalities). The sudden, unexpected closure of programs weakened partnerships (SDG17) between communities, states and funding institutions which are essential to sustain and further progress towards achieving SGDs.
CONCLUSIONS:
The sudden closure of USAID detracted from achieving the SDGs in urban Eswatini, and likely other similar settings. Funding cuts have had direct and multiple effects on marginalised women and girls in Eswatini by reducing access to the essential services that are meant to bring progress towards numerous SDGs. The findings highlight the need for sustainable and gender-responsive funding approaches that protect essential community-based services and partnerships, and progress towards the SDGs.
In Eswatini, USAID-funded health and development programmes played a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that addressed poverty, hunger, inequalities, education and health, 2008-2025. Many of these programmes supported marginalised women and girls The aim of the study is to examine the implications of USAID funding cuts towards the SDGs among women who were recipients of a USAID project
METHODS:
We conducted participatory ethnographic research with eight female participants aged 21-66 years from an Eswatini township. Data were collected using participant observation and interviews, and analysed thematically, using the SDGs as a guiding framework.
RESULTS:
Because many USAID funded programs provided health services, and livelihood, education or economic support, their closure directly detracted from achieving SDG3 (health), SDG1 (Zero poverty) and SGD2 (No hunger) and SDG4 (Universalising quality education). Participants reported emotional stress associated with the funding cuts which led them to opt for unsustainable coping strategies that affected their social relations (e.g. reducing contact with family members). Because many USAID-funded programs targeted marginalised women and girls, they were particularly affected by the closure, setting back achievement of SDG5 (Gender equality) and SDG10 (Reduced inequalities). The sudden, unexpected closure of programs weakened partnerships (SDG17) between communities, states and funding institutions which are essential to sustain and further progress towards achieving SGDs.
CONCLUSIONS:
The sudden closure of USAID detracted from achieving the SDGs in urban Eswatini, and likely other similar settings. Funding cuts have had direct and multiple effects on marginalised women and girls in Eswatini by reducing access to the essential services that are meant to bring progress towards numerous SDGs. The findings highlight the need for sustainable and gender-responsive funding approaches that protect essential community-based services and partnerships, and progress towards the SDGs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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