A West African organization that promoted and advocated for LGBTIQ livelihoods, income generation, and equal rights shared that the cessation of health-related programs has compromised health care access, increasing risks of physical and mental health deterioration among already marginalized individuals.

Date: 2/25

Region: Global

Country: Global

Topic: Gender Equality & Inclusion, Health

Policy Lens: Global Health Security

Additional Context: This West African organization shared the extensive list of impacts for its staff and the broader community it served: "Cessation of health-related programs has compromised healthcare access, increasing risks of physical and mental health deterioration among already marginalized individuals. The emotional toll on our staff and community is profound, leading to anxiety and despair, while our advocacy momentum for LGBTIQ+ rights risks being lost and further exacerbating discrimination and marginalization. This situation underscores the precarious nature of rights and support for LGBTIQ+ individuals in the absence of sustained funding and advocacy."


In February 2025, Outright International published "Defunding Freedom: Impacts of U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts on LGBTIQ People Worldwide.” This report surveyed global LGBTIQ organizations across a total of 35 countries. Read the full report here.

Source: Outright International