New York Times Editorial Endorses Helen Keller’s 'Outstanding Work' as US Funding Suspensions Cut Off Lifesaving Services
In a new piece for The New York Times, opinion writer Nick Kristof reveals the deadly consequences of the pauses and terminations of USAID-funded programs and again voices his support for our organization.
Read it here: Musk Said No One Has Died Since Aid Was Cut. That Isn’t True.
Here’s a highlight: “For those readers wondering how they can help, let me offer two suggestions. One is to check out Helen Keller Intl, which does outstanding work in nutrition and blindness.”
The piece shares heart-wrenching stories of children and adults who have already died of preventable causes since the start of the funding suspension and calls attention to the millions more whose lives are now at risk from hunger and disease. According to the article, an estimated 550,000 people could die within a year without US funding for food aid.
Kristof highlights children and pregnant women with malnutrition as particularly vulnerable. Without treatment, children suffering from malnutrition are at serious risk of dying, and those who survive may still experience lifelong impacts on their health. Pregnant women with malnutrition face a higher risk of serious complications, and their babies are more likely to be born prematurely or underweight.
With all of Helen Keller Intl’s USAID-funded programs suspended, children and families have been cut off from lifesaving health services. Our teams estimate that 121 million people in the countries we support in Africa and Asia are now in grave danger, including 21 million facing malnutrition alone.
We are proud to have reached 81 million children and family members last year. With the support of our generous Helen Keller community, we will continue to do everything in our power to support good health, clear vision, and sound nutrition for those in greatest need.
Read the full article in The New York Times.
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