DAKAR, Senegal — The recent decision by the Trump administration to cut over 90% of foreign aid contracts and slash more than $60 billion in funding is already having profound effects worldwide. The sudden announcement has seen numerous lifesaving programs halted, leaving millions of people in vulnerable countries without critical support.
This week, around 10,000 contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development were abruptly canceled. Non-governmental organizations received letters stating that the funding was being withdrawn “for convenience and the interests of the U.S. government.” An informed source, speaking anonymously, highlighted the dire implications of this decision.
Many of these impacted programs were operational in fragile nations heavily dependent on U.S. aid, which funds health systems, nutrition programs, and relief from starvation. With the defunding, several key projects worldwide have been confirmed to cease operations.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Action Against Hunger faces unavoidable termination of programs treating thousands of malnourished children, escalating the risk of mortality. Similarly, in Ethiopia, food assistance is no longer available for over a million people. The Ministry of Health has also had to lay off thousands of workers engaged in healthcare services like HIV and malaria prevention.
Senegal saw the closure of a significant malaria project distributing essential items like bed nets and medication. In South Sudan, a health care project by the International Rescue Committee, serving over 115,000 individuals, has been shut down. A similar situation unfolded in Colombia, where the Norwegian Refugee Council’s exit left 50,000 individuals devoid of essential support amid a burgeoning humanitarian crisis.
Sudan has seen the closure of communal kitchens providing for over half a million residents of Khartoum, significantly impacting food security. The United Nations Population Fund reports that in Bangladesh, service cutbacks will affect 600,000 women and children, leaving them vulnerable to violence without access to essential health services.
Further west in Mali, the reduction in water, food, and health services affects over 270,000 people. UNICEF warns that in Burkina Faso, more than 400,000 people have lost access to vital services following the aid cuts. Somalia has seen 50 health centers close, affecting 19,000 patients monthly due to unpaid salaries.
Cash-based support programs in Ukraine destined for one million people have been halted, says the U.N. spokesperson. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, critical health services reaching about 9 million people have been put on hold. The situation in Syria is dire, with essential aid for 2.5 million individuals in the northeast ceasing, closing several health clinics and crucial facilities.
Kenya faces the grim reality of 600,000 people in drought-affected areas losing food and nutrition support. In Haiti, 13,000 individuals are now without nutritional aid, and in Thailand, the Border Consortium reports the closure of hospitals serving 100,000 refugees. Nigeria’s situation is worsening, with 25,000 children facing starvation due to the withdrawal of food assistance.
In Asia, a program in the Philippines designed to aid disabled individuals with disaster warning systems has been stopped, while Vietnam’s programs for training caregivers and providing home medical care have ended, reports confirm. Yemen’s displaced population of 220,000 will lose access to essential health care services, per the United Nations.
The impacts of these decisions underscore the interconnected nature of global humanitarian efforts, illustrating the extensive effects policy changes can have on vulnerable populations across the globe. The cuts signify a daunting challenge for those who rely on foreign aid for survival, affecting millions worldwide.
