The President of the United States of America (USA), Donald Trump, has decreed a freeze on almost all foreign assistance worldwide, with immediate effect, including to Mozambique.

The freeze jeopardizes billions of dollars earmarked for economic and security programs around the world, with the exception of resources earmarked for Israel and Egypt.

In Mozambique, more than 400 million dollars could be allocated to the health sector every year, 250 of which for the HIV program.

This means that, with the suspension of foreign aid, the country could face major difficulties in purchasing antiretrovirals.

In April 2022, Mozambique and the US signed a development cooperation agreement worth 1.5 billion dollars over five years, i.e. until 2027.

The 90-day pause in international aid ordered by US President Donald Trump applies to new and existing aid, according to a State Department memo to which Reuters had access on Friday (24).

The programs affected include initiatives to combat hunger, support for refugees and efforts to promote regional security.

The review period is expected to last up to 90 days and will leave the fate of hundreds of US foreign aid contracts, estimated at more than 70 billion dollars, suspended for three months.

With the freeze, the Trump administration intends to evaluate the efficiency and consistency of this foreign policy.