US President Donald Trump's order to freeze US$68 billion in foreign aid, over 40% of global humanitarian funding, has caused chaos and panic in the aid sector. The peak body for overseas aid organizations warns the move will have 'catastrophic' consequences, disrupting critical life-saving work in areas like food security, health, education, and disaster relief. The freeze, which initially lasted 90 days with exceptions for emergency food aid and military funding for Israel and Egypt, has left organizations scrambling to understand its implications and fearing for the future of vital programs.
USAid provides about US$68bn in foreign aid a year, totalling more than 40% of global humanitarian funding, which Donald Trump has ordered to be frozen.USAid provides about US$68bn in foreign aid a year, totalling more than 40% of global humanitarian funding, which Donald Trump has ordered to be frozen.
Acfid interim chief executive officer, Matthew Maury, said funding for climate crisis work, food, health, infrastructure and disaster programs were at risk. “Without intervention, the consequences will be catastrophic. We are talking about unnecessary deaths and suffering. The Australian International Development Network warns the policy threatens lives, and is meeting with US foundations to work out where the most urgent needs lie.
“If it’s child literacy programs that’s unfortunate. If it’s the provision of tuberculosis medication it’s life threatening.”
Politics FOREIGN AID Usaid DONALD TRUMP HUMANITARIAN CRISIS CHINA
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