UK aid cuts threaten global child health: a call to rethink international assistance

Abstract

Recent reductions in UK aid have demonstrably harmed child health in low-income and middle-income countries. Increased child morbidity and mortality are directly linked to funding cuts impacting vaccination programmes, maternal and child health services and nutritional interventions, exacerbating the health crisis. This article analyses these impacts, criticises systemic flaws in the aid architecture, particularly the impact of the abolition of Department for International Development and advocates for a decolonised, localised and accountable aid system prioritising child health.