Hyderabad: USAID Cuts Shutter India's First Clinic for Transgender People
India's first medical clinic for transgender people, Mitr Clinic in Hyderabad, has shut operations due to US President Donald Trump stopping foreign aid to it, affecting thousands of transgender individuals who relied on the clinic for HIV treatment and support services. The closure is a significant blow to the community, which faces stigma and discrimination despite a 2014 Supreme Court ruling granting them equal rights. The loss of funding will impact access to crucial medical care for this vulnerable population.
- The US government's decision to cut foreign aid to programs like Mitr Clinic highlights the fragility of international support systems for marginalized communities, particularly in developing countries.
- What measures can governments and international organizations take to ensure that vital services like healthcare and education are preserved for the most vulnerable populations?