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Millions of lives at risk as US government terminates Pathfinder’s funding

On February 26, Pathfinder International received termination notifications from the US government related to all six of our prime USAID awards. This news is devastating—millions of people around the world will lose access to essential services, putting their lives at risk.

Our six impacted programs provided lifesaving support to millions of people in Burkina Faso, Egypt, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Uganda, improving health and well-being, advancing gender equality, strengthening health systems, and saving lives. Cumulatively, in just one year, these programs:

  • Averted 923,557 unintended pregnancies and provided 2,318,709 family planning consultations, ensuring young women the freedom of choice—to finish their education, achieve financial autonomy, pursue a career, and chart their own paths to a healthy future.
  • Averted 276,322 unsafe abortions—a leading cause of death among young women in low-income countries.
  • Assisted with 175,539 safe deliveries at health facilities, alleviating women from having to put their lives on the line to give birth.
  • Provided over a half a million children with lifesaving care like vaccines and treatment for pneumonia and diarrhea, ensuring a brighter future for each child

Despite this significant setback, we remain resolved to deliver on our mission. Now, more than ever, we must mobilize, deepening our support to governments and local partners who rely on us to ensure communities—especially on the frontlines of instability and crisis—become healthier, stronger, and more secure.

“Across the world, we are seeing increased instability—protracted conflicts within and across borders, mass migration, climate-induced natural disasters and health emergencies, and the spread of infectious diseases. This is coupled with attacks on the rights of women and other marginalized communities,” said Dr. Tabinda Sarosh, Pathfinder’s CEO. “Pathfinder’s work is more important than ever, and the people and partners who relied on us yesterday are still relying on us today. We must keep working by their side. We must march ahead.”

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