NC Global Health Alliance
Sep 30, 2025
An Urgent Workforce Challenge
Since January 20, 2025, the NCGHA has tracked how many North Carolina jobs have been lost due to USAID contract terminations. Job data sourced directly from impacted institutions, impacted individuals, WARN system, NC Commerce, press releases, and media. Contract data sourced directly from USASpending.gov, impacted institutions, USAID Stop Work, and AID on the Hill.
NORTH CAROLINA’S GLOBAL HEALTH SECTOR AT A GLANCE
The global health sector adds $31.9B to North Carolina’s economy per year.
Over 900 NC global health institutions operate in more than 175 countries.
In 2021, global health organizations employed more than 56,000 direct global health jobs in North Carolina and sustained an additional 117,850 jobs across multiple sectors.
North Carolina is home to one of the most sophisticated global health ecosystems in the nation, anchored by world class institutions including RTI International, FHI 360, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Duke Global Health Institute.
Historically, the sector has been a stable, high-wage, and high-skill employer.
IMPACT OF RECENT FEDERAL FUNDING CUTS
NC is the fourth-highest state recipient of USAID funding; NC won $1B in awards in 2024.
Since January 2025, North Carolina institutions lost $3 billion in future payments with 86% of USAID-funded awards terminated.
As of September 2025, at least 625 North Carolinians lost their jobs as a direct result of USAID cuts.
Ripple effects are impacting partner institutions, contractors, and students across the state.
Impacted workers face a decimated job market and intense competition for remaining positions.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR NORTH CAROLINA
Global Competitiveness – NC’s reputation as a global health leader is at stake; loss of capacity jeopardizes our ability to remain a beacon for innovation on the global stage.
Economic Impact – Global health organizations bring federal and philanthropic dollars into NC, fueling local economies. Job losses threaten regional economic stability.
Brain Drain Risk – Skilled professionals are being offered to leave NC for opportunities elsewhere, eroding decades of sector expertise that would otherwise strengthen high-demand industries in NC.
WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM IMPACTED WORKERS
“I am a PhD educated public health researcher… and I am now trying to figure out if we need to move outside the city or to another state.” – J.A., Carrboro
“Over the past 7 months, I’ve submitted over 2,000 job applications, have networked with over 100 individuals… nearly every sector I’ve looked at and networked in continues to face enormous numbers of overqualified applicants, hiring freezes and layoffs. As a single parent and the sole provider for my family, I am struggling with how to proceed.” – A.T., Apex
OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMEDIATE COORDINATED ACTION
Tap the Talent – Work with existing statewide resources to elevate these professionals to prioritize transition into our booming biosciences, life-sciences, rural health, and innovation sectors.
Cross-Sector Job Matching – Leverage transferable skills into life sciences, public health, education, social services, tech, and other public and private sector roles in-state.
Rapid Response Workforce Support – Career transition resources, retraining programs, and targeted job fairs for displaced global health professionals & other impacted workers.
Pipeline Preservation – Support internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships to keep students and early-career talent in the state.