A U.S. foreign aid freeze under President Trump has left critical humanitarian programs in limbo, with life-saving assistance stalled in multiple countries. In Ghana and Kenya, malaria prevention campaigns remain on hold as insecticide and mosquito nets sit in warehouses. In Haiti, HIV treatment programs for pregnant women have shut down due to a lack of U.S. approval.
Myanmar, on the brink of famine, faces widespread aid disruptions, while in Bangladesh, essential services for Rohingya refugees have been interrupted. Aid organizations, struggling with unclear waivers, are shutting down programs rather than risk funding cuts. Communication with U.S. officials has broken down, with many officials fired or barred from giving guidance.
At USAID, a key aid delivery agency, mass firings and administrative turmoil have exacerbated the crisis. The agency, targeted for restructuring by Trump’s ally Elon Musk, has seen critical health initiatives thrown into uncertainty.
Despite exemptions for “life-saving aid” like malaria and HIV programs, confusion remains. A USAID contractor warned that without immediate action, millions of malaria treatments and nets could go to waste. In Thailand, U.S.-funded health clinics for Myanmar refugees have shut down, leaving vulnerable patients without care.
Trump’s executive order cites “America First” policies, questioning aid’s alignment with U.S. interests. Aid workers fear long-term damage to global health efforts. A fired USAID staffer called the freeze “cruel and senseless,” while a Myanmar aid worker described the situation as “mayhem.”
As programs shut down, humanitarian workers warn that without urgent intervention, lives will be lost.
