Every child deserves a chance to survive and thrive. Yet in many low-resourced settings globally, millions of children still face preventable threats to their health and well-being. That’s why the revitalized Global Health Feature Section in Pediatrics is kicking off the academic year with a powerful spotlight on one of the US’s greatest, yet often unsung, contributions to global child health: the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
In the section’s first article of the year, Drs. Alexandra Coria and Brian Wahl, along with an international team of experts, shine a light on USAID’s decades-long impact on child survival across the globe. Being early released in Pediatrics this week, the article, “USAID’s Impact on Saving Children’s Lives: A Legacy of Partnership and Progress” is a must-read for anyone passionate about global health and curious about the US’s role in it (10.1542/peds.2025-071260).
A Hidden Hero in Global Health
While USAID may not be a household name for many Americans, especially those outside of global health, its work has transformed the lives of millions. From the war on hunger to clean water access and vaccine distribution, USAID has quietly played a pivotal role in drastically reducing child mortality worldwide.
The article details how collaborative efforts between the US and global partners have led to life-saving innovations and sustainable health improvements. Here are just a few standout initiatives:
- Advancing Nutrition Programs: Since its inception, USAID has fought childhood malnutrition—a major cause of preventable death—with programs targeting the roots of hunger in low-resource settings.
- MOMENTUM: Through a groundbreaking public-private partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, USAID has helped deliver vaccines to over one billion children worldwide.
- WASH Atlas: USAID's open-access Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) data system gives policymakers and developers crucial geospatial tools to plan more effective public health responses.
- Journey to Self-Reliance: Perhaps one of USAID’s most forward-thinking efforts, this initiative focuses on strengthening countries’ own abilities to address and sustain their health systems long-term.
A Global Effort That Works
The story of USAID is one of quiet determination and enduring partnerships. It’s also a reminder that US investments in global health aren’t just acts of charity—they’re acts of solidarity, diplomacy, and long-term vision in socio-political and health security. As the authors emphasize, these succeed because of collaboration between governments, nonprofits, communities, and individuals around the world.
For those unfamiliar with the US's vital contributions to global child health, this feature offers an inspiring and informative entry point. At a time when global cooperation can feel strained, USAID’s legacy reminds us what’s possible when we work together—especially for the most vulnerable among us.
