Washington, DC., 6 May 2025 ——
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy as part of the Foreign Assistance Act. The idea was to separate military aid from humanitarian and development assistance, and to reflect US values of helping others and promoting peace, prosperity, and stability worldwide. The closure of USAID marks a significant shift in global development and humanitarian assistance.
A cornerstone of US foreign policy, USAID operated in over 100 countries across nearly every region of the world. USAID programs were designed to support economic development, humanitarian relief, health initiatives, education, infrastructure, democratic governance, and disaster response.
On 20 January 2025, just hours after taking office, President Trump ordered a near-total freeze on the distribution of foreign aid, citing concerns over waste, fraud, and abuse within USAID. Subsequently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a waiver allowing the continuation of humanitarian aid. However, on 27 January 2025, USAID’s website was taken offline, and then its headquarters in Washington, DC, was closed, with staff being denied entry. This action effectively dismantled the agency, reducing its workforce from over 10,000 employees to approximately 300, and disrupting hundreds of humanitarian programs worldwide. TGR was one of them.
Global Health and Humanitarian Impact
USAID partners with local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector companies, academic institutions, and multilateral organizations such as the UN and World Bank. It provided funding, expertise, and technical support through grants, contracts, and direct partnerships.
USAID supported and partnered with a wide range of programs and organizations around the world. The agency’s health programs have been pivotal in combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and malnutrition. In addition to being a major implementer of PEPFAR, the agency supported the Global Health Supply Chain Program, helping deliver medicines and health commodities worldwide. USAID supported Mothers and Children Health Programs, which primarily focused on maternal and child health, nutrition, and immunization.
In sub-Saharan Africa, where the agency allocated $3.7 billion in 2024, the suspension of funding has disrupted treatment programs, jeopardizing the health of millions. In Nigeria, for instance, over 2 million people living with HIV face uncertainty as clinics experience staff layoffs and halted services.
USAID’s flagship food security initiative, Feed the Future, improved agricultural productivity and incomes. Additionally, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network provided early warning and analysis on food insecurity. In Zimbabwe, the agency funded numerous projects aimed at enhancing farmers’ resilience to droughts and floods. The withdrawal of this support threatens to reverse progress in sustainable development and climate adaptation.
USAID worked to fight poverty and hunger, and funded the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), TGR, and Mercy Corps during crises such as conflicts and natural disasters. USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) coordinates emergency food, shelter, and health aid.
USAID programs promote women’s rights and gender equality, support education and literacy, respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, and work to build climate resilience and sustainability. USAID strengthens democracy and good governance, as well as encourages economic growth and trade.
PEPFAR
One of the programs eliminated was the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a US government initiative launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic.
A person who is HIV positive can live a full life as long as they receive the antiretroviral medicines. PEPFAR supports antiretroviral treatment for over 20 million people worldwide, including 566,000 children. The program has prevented 5.5 million babies from being born with HIV through mother-to-child transmission prevention.
As of 2024, PEPFAR provided HIV testing services to 83.8 million people, saved over 26 million lives, and is the largest commitment by a nation to address a single disease in history, with cumulative funding exceeding $120 billion. The PEPFAR program has trained nearly 327,000 new healthcare workers, enhancing local healthcare capacity.
However, despite its successes, PEPFAR’s computer system was taken offline by the Trump administration. A temporary waiver was issued to allow essential HIV medications to be distributed, but uncertainties remain about the program’s future. Advocates emphasize the importance of PEPFAR in global health and urge continued support to maintain its life-saving impact.
Economic and Political Consequences
The USAID shutdown has led to widespread job losses and economic instability. In Ghana, for example, the cessation of USAID-funded projects has affected sectors like agriculture and education, potentially leading to food shortages and reduced economic growth.
Politically, the US risks diminishing its influence in key regions. Countries like China and Russia are poised to fill the void left by USAID, potentially reshaping global alliances and undermining democratic values. In Africa, where USAID has been a significant partner, the withdrawal of support could lead to increased geopolitical competition and a shift towards authoritarian partnerships.
Educational and Research Setbacks
Beyond health, USAID has been a major contributor to educational initiatives, climate change, and research collaborations worldwide. The suspension of funding has halted numerous projects, particularly in conflict-affected regions like Afghanistan and Ukraine. In Pakistan, for instance, thirty-nine projects valued at $845 million have been suspended, affecting infrastructure development and scholarship programs. Room to Read, FHI 360, and RT1 International: all implementers of USAID-funded education programs, including literacy and early-grade learning, and programs to increase girls’ access to education and support teacher training.
USAID provided funding for programs supporting clean energy, biodiversity, and climate resilience in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Partners included Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and The Nature Conservancy.
The Road Ahead
The closure of USAID represents more than a policy shift; it signifies a retreat from global responsibility and cooperation. While alternative funding sources may emerge, the loss of USAID’s expertise and infrastructure presents a formidable challenge. The international community must adapt to this new reality, seeking innovative solutions to address the pressing needs of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
In response to the closure, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration likely violated the US Constitution by shutting down USAID without proper congressional approval. The judge noted that the actions taken deprived elected representatives of their constitutional authority to decide on the fate of an agency created by Congress.
Despite the legal challenges, the Trump administration’s decision to close USAID and to cut funding for those in greatest need is not something it should be exceptionally proud of. The abrupt closure of USAID has profound implications for global humanitarian efforts and vulnerable populations. For millions, it is a death sentence.
Photo Credit: March 8-12: USAID Funded Samaritan’s Purse Continues Post-Tsunami Assistance by US Embassy New Zealand. Licensed under Public Domain Mark 1.0
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Lara Kajs is the founder and executive director of The Genocide Report, an NGO nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. She is the author of Assad’s Syria, and Stories from Yemen: A Diary from the Field, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, and independent booksellers worldwide. Distributed by Ingram. Ms. Kajs frequently speaks about atrocity crimes, forced displacement, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Follow and connect with Lara Kajs on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.