Trump's USAID Freeze Deepens Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan, Uganda

The recent freeze on U.S. government aid funding, initiated by President Trump, has severely impacted humanitarian programs worldwide, particularly affecting refugees in Uganda and Afghanistan. In Uganda's Bidi Bidi camp, thousands of South Sudanese refugees lost their jobs with aid agencies, raising concerns over increased malnutrition and mortality rates. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, where over half the population relies on international aid, the suspension of USAID has led to the closure of vital services, including midwifery programs and educational institutions for girls, exacerbating an already dire situation under Taliban rule. The funding cuts are similarly felt in Pakistan, where Afghan refugees have lost access to essential health services provided by NGOs reliant on U.S. aid. Experts warn that the dismantling of USAID undermines U.S. soft power and could lead to increased suffering in impoverished nations. Overall, the freeze not only threatens the livelihoods of those directly dependent on aid but also has broader implications for the stability and health of vulnerable populations globally.