US Aid Cuts Unleash Malnutrition Crisis in Senegal

Childhood malnutrition is resurging in Senegal following significant cuts to U.S. foreign aid. Clinics in rural areas, like the one serving Yacine Lo's village, are frequently out of Plumpy'Nut, a vital therapeutic food. This shortage means children like Lo's daughter Diarra are not receiving consistent treatment, causing distress for families who previously relied on these services. Health officials report that malnutrition is returning to communities that had previously seen significant improvements.

The reduction in U.S. funding has sent shockwaves through Senegal's health system, impacting over 500 rural clinics. These facilities, supported by U.S. aid and organizations like Helen Keller International, were crucial in bringing treatment closer to remote populations. The cuts have led to staff shortages and a significant decrease in the availability of life-saving food supplies, with some districts receiving only half of their usual RUTF.

The community health worker model, which began in 2022, trained local workers to screen and treat severe acute malnutrition. This initiative successfully screened hundreds of thousands of children and reduced mortality rates. However, aid cuts have jeopardized its expansion and sustainability, with many community health workers no longer receiving pay, leading to a halving of their numbers in some areas.

Despite ongoing challenges and unstable supplies of RUTF, efforts are underway to sustain the community-based malnutrition care model. Organizations are seeking philanthropic funds and alternative aid sources to fill the gaps. A new five-year health aid deal worth $90 million was signed in March 2026, though specific funding for nutrition programs remains uncertain, leaving the future of this critical work in question.