A shocking wave of USAID funding cuts has collapsed critical aid projects worldwide, leaving millions of vulnerable people without lifesaving services. From healthcare and HIV treatment in South Africa to disaster relief and refugee support in Sudan, Yemen, and Colombia, the abrupt decision has devastated the global aid community.
Aid Terminated: Millions Left Without Help
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent termination notices to projects across the world, following a review under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. The move has resulted in the shutdown of more than 90% of USAID-funded programs, including those initially granted waivers, such as HIV/AIDS treatment, tuberculosis care, and refugee support services.
The United Nations (UN) and global health organizations were among those affected, with UNAIDS, Stop TB Partnership, and Scaling Up Nutrition receiving notices that their funding would be immediately halted.
“We are hit, but we will continue to be there,” said Lucica Ditiu, executive director of Stop TB, who confirmed that contracts with 140 partners—many providing tuberculosis testing and treatment—must now be terminated.
‘A Devastating Blow’ to HIV & TB Patients
The impact of these cuts is catastrophic. South Africa, home to 8 million people living with HIV, is particularly vulnerable.
“The U.S. funding cuts are dismantling the system,” warned International AIDS Society President Beatriz Grinsztejn.
Linda-Gail Bekker, chief operating officer of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, fears years of progress will be lost. “We will see lives lost. The HIV epidemic will take a massive step backward.”
The cuts are not limited to high-risk groups such as LGBT+ individuals and sex workers—they also target women and children who rely on HIV prevention and treatment programs.
Refugees & Conflict Victims Abandoned
Beyond health crises, displaced communities and refugees are suffering. Charlotte Slente, Secretary General of the Danish Refugee Council, condemned the terminations as “egregious breaches of contracts” that endanger millions of people.
Humanitarian groups in Sudan, Yemen, and Colombia, where conflict and displacement are already severe, now face sudden funding losses, leaving people without food, shelter, and medical aid.
U.S. Justifies Cuts, But Many Call It ‘A Disregard for Human Life’
Despite widespread backlash, U.S. officials defended the decision, claiming the terminations were made because projects no longer align with the national interest. A State Department notice, seen by Reuters, stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and USAID Deputy Administrator Peter Marocco determined that continuing these programs was “not in the national interest.”
But human rights groups disagree.
“This is complete disregard for human life,” said Hannah Guedenet, U.S. Executive Director of Humanity & Inclusion, an organization that provides services for people with disabilities. Her group had over 30 contracts with the U.S. government—half of which were suddenly canceled in just 36 hours.
“If you want to cut funding, there is a way to do it responsibly. This is not it.“
What Happens Next?
With aid organizations scrambling for alternative funding, millions remain at risk of losing access to essential healthcare, food, and shelter. The abrupt USAID cuts leave uncertainty and chaos, as global efforts to fight HIV, TB, and hunger face a major crisis.
The World Watches as Aid Crumbles
While humanitarian groups fight to stay afloat, the world waits to see if any reinstatement of funds is possible. Meanwhile, millions of lives hang in the balance—left without the support they desperately need.
