Impact of USAID and other Government Funding Cuts on Global Mental Health Services - and reimagining development funding
The Global Mental Action Network and the Mental Health Innovation Network are partnering in a project that seeks to understand the impact of government aid funding cuts on mental health services worldwide and reimagine how the sector works.
Overview
An outreach initiative will be conducted to anonymously survey the programs and practitioners worldwide working on mental health who have been impacted by USAID and broader government funding cuts. We will collect information on closures and threats to mental health services, training, and workforce stability. The project examines information on direct impacts to beneficiaries and staff, including facility closures, reductions to mental health services, and termination of training and workforce programs. We seek to raise awareness among policymakers, donors, and global health advocates, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative funding solutions and policy interventions to mitigate the growing mental health crisis.
Online survey
In the first instance, a survey will be distributed to collect information on funding cut impacts to date and anticipated impacts to future services. The goal is to collect anonymous information on direct impacts to beneficiaries and staff, including facility closures, reductions to mental health services, and termination of training and workforce programs. We will collect:
The number of beneficiaries, clients, and patients affected by reductions in mental health services, including vulnerable populations such as children, women, and survivors of gender-based violence and torture.
Impacts on organizational staff and workforce.
Reduced access to medication.
Training program disruptions and reductions in professional development opportunities for mental health providers and non-specialist workers.
All data will be anonymously collected and analysed over secure platforms to ensure data protection. Outputs will be provided in aggregate, unless an organization explicitly requests to be named.
Has your mental health work been affected by government aid funding cuts?
Desired outcome of this initiative
The information will be used anonymously to raise awareness among policymakers, donors, and global health advocates, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative funding solutions and policy interventions to mitigate the growing mental health crisis. Aggregated summaries of the collected data will be provided to share the information globally and by country. These summary reports will support advocacy, identify gaps in services, and inform strategies for resource mobilization. The reports will be distributed by the Global Mental Health Action Network and Mental Health Innovation Network.
By leveraging these data, advocates, and stakeholders can work together to develop strategic solutions that mitigate the negative consequences of funding cuts and ensure continued access to essential mental health care and support staff well-being. Acknowledging cuts in development funding in recent years, we can use this learning to collectively reimagine funding (development and beyond) for global mental health in times of change.
Has your mental health work been affected by government aid funding cuts?
