For those interested in a more comprehensive look at the contributions of USAID and the implications of its relegation for global health and development (which, yes, will directly impact the US), I commend this interview with Atul Gawande, an icon in global health policy. (fb)

At our latest Integrated Child Development Center on the edge of the Chalbi desert in Kenya (opened in January '25) we benefitted from a connection to an artesian well some 2 miles away in order to provide WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) services to the entire community of Ola Rangi. This was thanks to the USAID funded Nawiri project of Catholic Relief Services who facilitated the connection and provided a community water kiosk. This saved us thousands of dollars and represents your tax $ making a huge positive impact in the world, literally saving the lives of countless children and making life more tolerable for mothers. Sadly, for our next project in the region at Ola Boji, we have been informed that Nawiri will not have the resources to assist due to the USAID shutdown and subsequent immediate retrenchment of all program funded staff. "The eye of God is large," however, and one way or the other, with the help of caring people, I hope to be reporting back here before the end of this year that we have been able to open our third unit in the region . . . complete with a clean water connection! (fb)