As the Trump administration continues to shut down various foreign aid programs, the reverberations have been felt around the world. Sudan, in particular, has been thrust into a state of crisis following the closure of more than 1,000 USAID-supported soup kitchens and medical centers.
Crisis in Sudan
Sudan, a country of more than 50 million people located in East Africa, has been in a state of national emergency as war rages between the national army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands of families have been displaced due to the conflict, and humanitarian aid groups have reported malnutrition cases of millions of citizens, of which 3.2 million are children under 5 years old.
As of December 2024, more than half the population is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, a figure which has only worsened since the halting of U.S. foreign aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 50,000 cases of cholera in 11 states and mass exodus has put pressure on neighboring countries including Chad and South Sudan, which are already struggling with their own hunger crises.
USAID Levels Pre-Shutdown
Before the shutdown, USAID in Sudan was responsible for providing between 70% and 80% of funding for flexible cash programs, making it the largest single donor out of multiple countries and global organizations, according to BBC.
These programs consisted largely of an extended network of communal food kitchens— emergency response rooms (ERR)— which provided food, medicine and supplies for families located in regions out of reach from foreign aid workers.
Information regarding USAID in Sudan funding statistics is no longer available for viewing on the federal website, but archived reports have estimated that the U.S. has contributed more than $2 billion since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.
In 2024, the U.S. distributed $661 million of aid to Sudan through USAID. With this funding, USAID partners were able to reach nearly 6.7 million Sudanese citizens requiring emergency food assistance, in addition to providing safe drinking water to more than 8 million citizens as of April 2024.
Effects of the Shutdown
President Trump’s executive order to halt all foreign aid activity while conducting a 90-day review operates to cut all programs deemed extraneous to U.S. interests. Around 90% of USAID programs will be cut completely, consisting of $60 billion of foreign aid sent around the world.
This has halted many programs mid-transit, withholding crucial aid to those most in need. The federal government has granted an exception to emergency food assistance, but unclear guidelines have caused widespread confusion around implementation, BBC reports.
As funding disappeared overnight, an estimated 1,000 ERRs had to close, plunging the population deeper into crisis, according to NPR.
According to the BBC, around 2 million Sudanese citizens depended on these ERRs for food and medicine, and must now look elsewhere.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has outlined foreign aid requirements by country each year. In 2024, approximately 67% of the $2.7 billion required aid for Sudan was met, with the U.S. as the largest bilateral donor contributing 48% of committed funds. However, there are several other organizations that are working to help people in Sudan.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC has operated in Sudan since 1981, delivering food and health services through six different offices located throughout the country. The range of programs are diverse, including water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH), gender-based services for women and children (GBV), health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash aid.
Led by county director Eatizaz Yousif, IRC’s team in Sudan has opened and closed multiple offices and dispatched mobile medical teams. It also assembles and distributes “dignity kits”— packages containing hygiene products and basic supplies for women and girls
Save the Children
Save the Children is one of the largest NGOs operating in Sudan, providing life-saving medical and malnutrition care to millions of Sudanese citizens. Programs include health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods, hygiene, shelter, child protection, and education. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, Save the Children has reached 3.8 million people, including 1.7 million children.
Save the Children focuses on reaching children and families in the most remote or hard-to-reach areas of Sudan. Teams currently operate in 13 out of the 18 states.
The World Food Program (WFP)
The WFP is responsible for providing emergency food assistance or cash to vulnerable refugees, internally displaced residents, and shock-affected communities. The WFP focuses on a wide range of areas— child malnutrition programs, legislative assistance, vocational skills training, irrigation systems, and crop storage representing only a subset. Since April 2023, the WFP has reached over 11 million people.
The U.S. served as the largest single donor to WFP operations before the shutdown, which is likely to cause some scalebacks in the coming weeks. However, the WFP was granted an exception to resume food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID programs — specifically, the Title II Food for Peace Program, in which global NGOs purchase surplus crops from American farmers to assist in emergency food aid
The shutdown of USAID in Sudan has constituted a major blow to progress being made in health, food, and poverty programs assisting those most affected by conflict. As cuts continue to be made in the U.S., it will fall to other nations and NGOs to fill in the gaps amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis.
– Sadie Claps
Sadie is based in Seattle, WA, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Fighting Type 2 Diabetes in India
Demographic Changes
Since 1990, India’s economy and population have surged, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing nations. The country’s economy has grown tenfold, increasing from $320 billion to $3.57 trillion. Meanwhile, its population has nearly doubled, rising from approximately 870 million to 1.42 billion.
The country has also experienced a significant rise in urbanization since 1990, with 519 million urban residents. While these demographic changes suggest economic progress, rapid population growth and urbanization have placed a strain on infrastructure and public services. Without sufficient investments in health care and education, these shifts can potentially widen inequalities, including access to health care. The increasing rates of Type 2 diabetes in India illustrate this challenge.
Since 1990, the number of people in India living with diabetes or classified as pre-diabetic has risen to 237 million as of 2023. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body fails to use insulin effectively to regulate blood sugar levels. If not diagnosed early or treated properly, complications can include heart and kidney disease, as well as foot and leg amputations.
Challenges in Diabetes Care Across India
Studies reveal that urbanization in India leads to higher consumption of energy-dense foods and reduced physical activity, increasing obesity rates and the risk of Type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions. Low awareness of diabetes among India’s adult population underscores the need for better health monitoring and education. Treatment and control rates remain low, particularly in rural areas and among low-income populations, due to barriers to health care access and high treatment costs. Although low-cost glycemic medications are available, many individuals cannot afford them.
With too few trained diabetes educators in India, physicians bear the burden of patient education. Variations in diabetes education standards among universities lead to inconsistent patient education. The absence of national certification requirements and low-quality diabetes training at some universities hinder efforts to regulate diabetes care and education programs.
Disparities in diabetes funding across Indian state governments likely stem from varying awareness levels and the economic burden of diabetes care. Some states allocate significantly more resources to diabetes management than others, highlighting the need for a more standardized national approach. Without sufficient investment in awareness campaigns, medical training and affordable treatment options, diabetes will continue to pose a growing public health challenge in India.
A Hybrid Approach
Since 2010, the Indian government has introduced several measures aimed at increasing diabetes awareness through both physical and technological initiatives. These programs seek to reach as many people as possible, especially in underserved areas.
Looking Ahead
India’s rapid economic growth has coincided with a surge in Type 2 diabetes, particularly among low-income communities facing limited health care access and education. While urbanization and dietary shifts have contributed to rising cases, the government has implemented multiple initiatives to address the crisis. Programs such as the NPCDCS, mDiabetes, E-Sanjeevani and Ayushman Bharat have improved awareness, screening and access to treatment, especially in rural and underserved areas. However, continued investment in public health care, education and preventive measures could be essential to curb the growing burden of diabetes and ensure equitable health outcomes across all socioeconomic groups.
– Oliver Hedges
Photo: Flickr
10 Facts About Hunger in Romania
10 Facts About Hunger in Romania
While Romania is not facing a hunger crisis, the country’s vulnerability to climate change demands attention to agricultural practices. It is not unreasonable to assume that developing sustainable agriculture will increase food security. Romania’s attention to agricultural innovation goes hand in hand with maintaining its continuing ability to feed its people. This includes the refugees it has welcomed into the country.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Pixabay
Impact of Foreign Aid on Brazil
Several countries, including Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom (U.K.), the U.S. and Switzerland, contribute to the fund. According to gov.br, these combined efforts led to a 30.6% decrease in deforestation. However, future funding remains uncertain. Since August 2024, the U.S. has donated $50 million and, in November, pledged another $50 million to further support foreign aid efforts in Brazil.
Infrastructure Development in Brazil
Brazil has attracted significant foreign investment to strengthen its infrastructure and boost economic growth. In November of 2024, Brazilian development bank BNDES negotiated a deal with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for a 16.7 billion reais ($2.89 billion) investment to develop the country’s infrastructure. With this, Brazil looks to improve its economy while creating transport infrastructure to encourage trade between Asia and South America. Additionally, in September 2024, the World Bank Board of Directors approved a $150 million loan to improve road infrastructure in the state of Bahia. The project prioritizes road safety improvements, climate adaptation and reduced transport costs. If successful, this initiative will increase mobility, lower carbon emissions and stimulate economic growth in one of Brazil’s key regions.
Welcoming Migrants Through Foreign Aid
Brazil’s “Operação Acolhida” (Operation Welcome) is a humanitarian program providing housing, employment and resources to Venezuelan migrants resettling in the state of Roraima. The program has received substantial U.S. foreign aid, allowing thousands of migrants to integrate into Brazilian society. However, the uncertainty surrounding future U.S. funding has put the program at risk, prompting officials to seek alternative sources of financial support.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed a willingness to provide additional support to keep Operation Welcome running. The program is recognized as a model for managing migration crises in Latin America, highlighting the importance of continued international aid in maintaining humanitarian assistance.
From Recipient to Donor
Brazil, South America’s largest economy, has historically been a major recipient of foreign aid. However, recent economic growth has allowed Brazil to transition into a donor nation, assisting developing countries. The country now contributes aid to Haiti, Guatemala, Paraguay and Portuguese-speaking African nations such as Mozambique, Timor-Leste and Guinea-Bissau. The country’s annual foreign aid contributions total approximately $1 billion, positioning it alongside India and China as an emerging donor. While foreign aid to Brazil is expected to decrease in the coming years, the country remains one of the largest aid providers among developing nations, focusing on regional stability and economic cooperation.
Looking Ahead
Foreign aid has significantly contributed to Brazil’s environmental conservation, infrastructure development and humanitarian initiatives. Programs like Fundo Amazônia, Operation Welcome and infrastructure partnerships with international banks have demonstrated tangible benefits. However, the potential decline in funding poses challenges to maintaining progress. Strengthening domestic investments, leveraging private-sector partnerships and fostering regional collaborations could help bridge funding gaps. While foreign aid has been instrumental in Brazil’s economic and social advancements, the country aims to increase self-sufficiency, playing a greater role in global development efforts.
– Naseem Rahman
Photo: Flickr
Eradicating Hunger in St. Kitts and Nevis
The Country and the Region
St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community), an organization of 21 small developing countries, most of which are island states. CARICOM describes itself as “the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world”—over 50 years strong—fostering “functional cooperation” in health, education, security and culture. This includes single market functions and a coordinated foreign policy.
Economy
St. Kitts and Nevis’s poverty headcount rate in 2022 was 21.8%, despite having one of the highest GDP per capita in Latin America and the Caribbean (an increase of 16% from the previous year). Like other countries in this region, St. Kitts and Nevis is vulnerable to drought, and to an increase in the frequency and severity of climate hazards, in particular hurricanes. In addition, COVID-19 negatively impacted the country’s tourism-dependent economy.
Hunger and Nutrition
A decade ago, the government implemented a Poverty Reduction Strategy to address hunger in the islands. The strategy was to redistribute resources more equitably, strengthen public, private and community organizations, invest in social services and empower vulnerable groups.
While current data on hunger in the country are not available, the 2022 Global Nutrition Report reported that St. Kitts and Nevis were “off course” in terms of maternal, infant and young child nutrition targets, with insufficient data to assess progress on its other indicators. Of 10 national nutrition policies, the only policy implemented was a sugar-sweetened beverage tax. Of 11 global nutrition targets, St. Kitts and Nevis had a national policy addressing only the reduction of salt/sodium intake.
25 by 25: Reducing Food Import Dependency
The CARICOM region is dependent on food imports, and this is true of St. Kitts and Nevis. This dependency is behind CARICOM’s Vision 25 by 25, a plan to address the region’s increasing food import bill. A long-term partnership has been created between CARICOM countries and the private sector, regional organizations, producers, development partners and civil society to transform the region’s agri-food systems. Furthermore, the goal five years ago was to create resilience and sustainability, ultimately guaranteeing food and nutrition security for the CARICOM countries.
In 2019 (prior to St. Kitts and Nevis’s participation), the CARICOM heads of government conceived of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), which was initiated in 2020. In response to an “urgent call” for a 25% reduction of the extra-regional food import bill before 2025, CPSO’s response was the 25 by 25 initiative, targeting the “displacement” of $418.8 million of extra-regional agri-food imports.
25 by 25 in St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis has identified the root cause of its import dependency to rest in imperfect land cultivation and the poor business practices of both farmers and vendors. One approach the Ministry of Agriculture is taking is to work with a local community college to train farmers in the best use of produce and in becoming more business oriented. Indeed, in noting that food sustainability requires year-round food production and education in “smart farming,” in 2023, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture met with crop and livestock farmers to develop a basis for the Government’s participation in the 25 by 25 initiative, aimed at decreasing the country’s food import bill and increasing food security.
Supporting this effort, the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis on its 25 by 25 Agenda.
In February 2025, Hon. Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources discussed one initiative to tackle the country’s $198 million food import bill: an export “niche” project focusing on hot peppers to the Tabasco company. The export niche focus means training farmers in their crop of choice and then addressing crop-specific land preparation, seed choice, time of planting, pest and disease management, harvest and post-harvest management, processing, sales and marketing, in other words, the complete value chain.
Predicting the Future
It remains to be seen whether the many efforts to reduce hunger in St. Kitts and Nevis by transforming the country’s local food production, will fulfill Minister Duggins’s prediction that the country will become the “food mecca of the Leeward Islands,” thanks to the 25 by 25 Agenda.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
The East African Community and the Eastern Congo Crisis
This situation will likely worsen the DRC crisis due to funding shortages, including significant cuts from the United States, which accounted for 70% of the DRC’s aid in 2024. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations and regional neighbors like the East African Community (EAC) remain committed to fostering peace and delivering essential aid to the Congolese people.
First Congo War 1960-1965
Shortly after gaining independence from Belgium, chaos erupted as the Force Publique soldiers at the Thysville military base, marking the beginning of the DRC crisis. Congolese soldiers revolted against their white counterparts, demanding better wages. This unrest quickly escalated to other military bases, igniting widespread violence across the nation.
Just two days earlier, the provinces of Katanga and South Kasai had declared their independence from Congo. These post-colonial power struggles led to the assassination of Patrice Lumumba on January 17, 1961, which only deepened the chaos. On November 25, 1965, Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in a coup, renaming the country Zaire. He ruled until 1997 when he was ousted after decades of corruption and economic mismanagement.
The Rwanda Genocide and its Aftermath
When the Rwandan genocide ended in 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) reclaimed the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The advance of the Tutsi-led rebels forced more than one million Hutu refugees to flee to the DRC (then Zaire), where they staged attacks against the Kigali government while being sheltered by Mobutu.
In 1996, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL), under the command of Laurent Kabila, conducted attacks on the camps. The war pitted the ADFL against Mobutu Sese Seko’s Zairian Armed Forces (FAZ), Interahamwe militia, Rwandan Armed Forces ex-FAR and mercenaries. This rebellion stoked ethnic tensions, particularly with the Banyamulenge Tutsis in eastern Congo and eventually led to the overthrow of Mobutu in 1997.
Second Congo War 1998-2003
After Mobutu fled to exile in Morocco, Kabila expelled all foreign soldiers, but the Hutu militias stationed in eastern Congo continued their attacks on Rwanda. In August 1998, Rwanda invaded eastern Congo with the support of Congolese Tutsi and rebel groups against Kabila. This marked the start of the Second Congo War, which drew in as many as 14 different armies, including troops from Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe, who backed Kabila against Burundi, Uganda and Rwandan forces against Kabila.
The wars led to countless deaths, displacements and entrenched ethnic divisions and resource-driven conflicts in eastern Congo, leaving a legacy of instability that persists today.
The Role of the East African Community
The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, DRC and Somalia. The community has committed to maintaining peace and restoring stability in the DRC. Some of the interventions include:
Final Remarks
The East African Community has dedicated significant efforts to fostering dialogue and promoting peace in the DRC, from a conflict dynamic to peace initiatives. However, it has encountered various challenges and criticisms. The deployment and subsequent withdrawal of the EAC Regional Force underscored the need for a more effective approach to tackle the issues comprehensively.
The differing economic and political interests among member states complicate the mission to pursue peace, as these divergent priorities have prompted the DRC government to seek assistance from external parties, further exacerbating the country’s instability.
The DRC crisis is a complex weave of historical injustices, failed governance, external meddling and a lack of global concern. Achieving a lasting solution goes beyond ceasefires. It requires dismantling systems that favor resource exploitation at the expense of human dignity. It also calls for holding regional powers responsible for destabilizing and empowering Congolese communities to take charge of their recovery.
– Grace Ruria
Photo: Flickr
4 Facts about Hunger in Qatar
Despite its strong economy and high per capita income, Qatar still faces issues related to hunger. Here are four facts about hunger in Qatar.
Qatar’s Global Rankings
In 2024, Qatar ranked 30th out of 113 countries in the Global Food Security Index (down from 13th in 2019)—an international database that considers quality, affordability and availability of food. However, while Qatar is ranked 9th in availability and 21st in affordability, it is only 47th in quality and safety and 51st on sustainability and adaptation. Some of its weakest indicators are lack of a national policy or strategy to empower women farmers, extent of agricultural research and development and extent of disaster risk management. Qatar could not be comparatively ranked on the 2024 Global Hunger Index because of a lack of available data on undernourishment. But on the other GHI indicators related to hunger, the country’s statistics are very low: 6.2% of children under 5 stunted and 1.5% wasted, and 0.5% of children who die before their fifth birthday.
Dependency on Imported Food
Agriculture is a challenge in Qatar because of the arid climate, sandy soil and scarcity of water. Qatar therefore has imported 90% of consumed food, with imports providing as high as approximately 80% of the demand for perishable crops.
Qatar’s Large Migrant Worker Population
Qatar is home to a million person, mostly Asian, migrant work force, which is 95% of its total labor force, with half of these workers in construction. The high COVID toll in Qatar five years ago left many migrants jobless, and hungry. Subsequently, the FIFAWorld Cup 2022, hosted by Qatar, exposed “the vulnerabilities of and abuses faced by low-paid migrant workers and migrants in general.” During this same period, the Canadian-based Migration and Food Insecurity in Cities of the Global South project (MiFood Project) expanded its Hungry Cities Partnership research network to additional countries, including Qatar. This was a three-year project focused on migrant workers and food security.
Success and a New Strategy to Increase Food Security
Qatar’s successful National Security Strategy 2018-2023 strengthened Qatar’s food security infrastructure, with enhancements in cultivated areas, production capacity, and food marketing systems, as well as addressing climate change. Building on this success, in January 2025, Qatar announced its National Food Security Strategy 2030 to secure food supplies by significantly increasing local food production and making Qatar 55% self-sufficient in vegetable production, 100% self-sufficient in fresh chicken and dairy by the end of the decade, and 80% for fish and 30% for red meat.
Overall, hunger in Qatar is relatively low due to the country’s general prosperity and the government’s diligent efforts to improve food security. While the nation’s geographic location means the threat of food still exists, the country’s forward-thinking and proactive efforts are addressing this threat.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Wikimedia
DreamSave: Women in Kenya Combat Poverty
Barriers to Financial Access
Small and medium-sized businesses in Kenya face significant obstacles in obtaining credit from financial institutions. Many lack sufficient assets to provide as collateral, making commercial bank loans difficult to secure. As a result, business owners often turn to friends and relatives for financial support, which is rarely enough to sustain long-term growth. Without proper funding, enterprises are forced to rely on lower-cost and often inefficient technologies, limiting their potential for success.
How DreamSave Works
DreamSave, an innovative mobile app, is transforming how savings groups operate by digitizing financial management. The platform enables users to track savings, manage loans, build credit histories and set financial goals without requiring access to traditional banking services. By providing a reliable and structured approach to saving, the app is helping women gain financial independence and break the cycle of poverty. In addition, the platform simplifies financial management for savings groups in underbanked areas. The app helps users record financial data, conduct meetings and track credit histories, ensuring accountability and transparency. By automating these processes, DreamSave allows members to focus on growing their businesses and achieving their savings goals.
Key Features of DreamSave
DreamSave is designed to overcome common financial barriers in developing countries. Its offline capability ensures that users in remote areas with limited internet access can continue managing their finances without interruptions. Data automatically syncs to the cloud whenever a connection becomes available, maintaining continuity in record-keeping. The app also offers enhanced traceability and compliance by keeping detailed logs of all transactions, allowing users to track their financial activities with full transparency.
Recognizing the high cost of mobile data in its target markets, DreamSave has optimized its platform to minimize data consumption, reducing costs by up to 60% compared to previous versions. Faster data synchronization ensures that users with limited internet access can efficiently update their records, even during brief online sessions. Additionally, DreamSave’s near-real-time data processing allows savings groups to instantly access updated financial insights. To ensure continuity, the app is backward compatible, meaning users can seamlessly transfer their existing data when upgrading to newer versions.
Global Recognition and Impact
DreamSave’s innovative approach has earned it multiple awards. It was recognized as the Best Finance App and Best Developing World Technology at the Fast Company 2023 World Changing Ideas Competition. The app also won the Best Digital Banking Technology Award at the 2023 Worldwide Finance Awards and the Most Empowering Digital Banking Technology Award at the 2022 Worldwide Finance Awards.
Looking Ahead
DreamSave continues to expand its reach, enabling more women in Kenya and beyond to access secure financial services. By bridging the gap in financial inclusion, the app is empowering women to achieve economic independence and contribute to long-term poverty reduction.
– Taylor Naquin
Photo: Flickr
USAID in Sudan: What Does the Shutdown Mean
Crisis in Sudan
Sudan, a country of more than 50 million people located in East Africa, has been in a state of national emergency as war rages between the national army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Thousands of families have been displaced due to the conflict, and humanitarian aid groups have reported malnutrition cases of millions of citizens, of which 3.2 million are children under 5 years old.
As of December 2024, more than half the population is experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, a figure which has only worsened since the halting of U.S. foreign aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported more than 50,000 cases of cholera in 11 states and mass exodus has put pressure on neighboring countries including Chad and South Sudan, which are already struggling with their own hunger crises.
USAID Levels Pre-Shutdown
Before the shutdown, USAID in Sudan was responsible for providing between 70% and 80% of funding for flexible cash programs, making it the largest single donor out of multiple countries and global organizations, according to BBC.
These programs consisted largely of an extended network of communal food kitchens— emergency response rooms (ERR)— which provided food, medicine and supplies for families located in regions out of reach from foreign aid workers.
Information regarding USAID in Sudan funding statistics is no longer available for viewing on the federal website, but archived reports have estimated that the U.S. has contributed more than $2 billion since the outbreak of the civil war in April 2023.
In 2024, the U.S. distributed $661 million of aid to Sudan through USAID. With this funding, USAID partners were able to reach nearly 6.7 million Sudanese citizens requiring emergency food assistance, in addition to providing safe drinking water to more than 8 million citizens as of April 2024.
Effects of the Shutdown
President Trump’s executive order to halt all foreign aid activity while conducting a 90-day review operates to cut all programs deemed extraneous to U.S. interests. Around 90% of USAID programs will be cut completely, consisting of $60 billion of foreign aid sent around the world.
This has halted many programs mid-transit, withholding crucial aid to those most in need. The federal government has granted an exception to emergency food assistance, but unclear guidelines have caused widespread confusion around implementation, BBC reports.
As funding disappeared overnight, an estimated 1,000 ERRs had to close, plunging the population deeper into crisis, according to NPR.
According to the BBC, around 2 million Sudanese citizens depended on these ERRs for food and medicine, and must now look elsewhere.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has outlined foreign aid requirements by country each year. In 2024, approximately 67% of the $2.7 billion required aid for Sudan was met, with the U.S. as the largest bilateral donor contributing 48% of committed funds. However, there are several other organizations that are working to help people in Sudan.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The IRC has operated in Sudan since 1981, delivering food and health services through six different offices located throughout the country. The range of programs are diverse, including water, sanitation, and hygiene services (WASH), gender-based services for women and children (GBV), health and nutrition, and multi-purpose cash aid.
Led by county director Eatizaz Yousif, IRC’s team in Sudan has opened and closed multiple offices and dispatched mobile medical teams. It also assembles and distributes “dignity kits”— packages containing hygiene products and basic supplies for women and girls
Save the Children
Save the Children is one of the largest NGOs operating in Sudan, providing life-saving medical and malnutrition care to millions of Sudanese citizens. Programs include health, nutrition, food security and livelihoods, hygiene, shelter, child protection, and education. Since the outbreak of war in 2023, Save the Children has reached 3.8 million people, including 1.7 million children.
Save the Children focuses on reaching children and families in the most remote or hard-to-reach areas of Sudan. Teams currently operate in 13 out of the 18 states.
The World Food Program (WFP)
The WFP is responsible for providing emergency food assistance or cash to vulnerable refugees, internally displaced residents, and shock-affected communities. The WFP focuses on a wide range of areas— child malnutrition programs, legislative assistance, vocational skills training, irrigation systems, and crop storage representing only a subset. Since April 2023, the WFP has reached over 11 million people.
The U.S. served as the largest single donor to WFP operations before the shutdown, which is likely to cause some scalebacks in the coming weeks. However, the WFP was granted an exception to resume food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID programs — specifically, the Title II Food for Peace Program, in which global NGOs purchase surplus crops from American farmers to assist in emergency food aid
The shutdown of USAID in Sudan has constituted a major blow to progress being made in health, food, and poverty programs assisting those most affected by conflict. As cuts continue to be made in the U.S., it will fall to other nations and NGOs to fill in the gaps amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis.
– Sadie Claps
Photo: Flickr
Education in Afghanistan: Barriers and Economic Impact
Poverty is widespread and natural disasters have compounded economic hardships. Afghanistan’s GDP declined by 24.3% between 2021 and 2022, leaving millions in financial distress. An estimated 96% of Afghan households fell below the poverty line in 2020 and farmers faced one of the worst droughts in recent history. In October 2023, several 6.3-magnitude earthquakes struck Herat province, further devastating livelihoods and worsening economic conditions.
Women’s Education Under Taliban Rule
Since regaining power, the Taliban has imposed strict regulations on women’s education, barring them from attending school past the sixth grade. These restrictions have affected an estimated 1.4 million girls, cutting off their access to formal learning. Women also face limitations on movement and employment, restricting opportunities for financial independence.
The Economic Impact of Education Restrictions
The exclusion of women from education has long-term economic consequences. Before 2021, women made up 22% of Afghanistan’s workforce, working in sectors such as health care, education and business. Restricting women from pursuing education reduces economic productivity and slows national recovery. Foreign aid previously accounted for 40% of the country’s GDP and with limited external support and half of the workforce excluded, the country’s economic outlook continues to decline.
Foreign Aid and Education Funding in Afghanistan
During the war, Afghanistan’s education system was a global priority. Between 2001 and 2024, the U.S. invested $1.4 billion in Afghan education, helping to establish schools and train teachers. However, since 2021, foreign aid has significantly declined, leaving many schools underfunded and understaffed. The country’s literacy rate remains one of the lowest in the world, at 34% overall and only 18% among women.
Efforts to Sustain Education Access in Afghanistan
Despite these ongoing challenges, organizations such as the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL) continue to provide education for women and children in Afghanistan. AIL operates 44 learning centers across 11 provinces and has helped 500,830 students while training nearly 30,000 teachers over the past 25 years. These programs aim to equip students with literacy skills and critical thinking tools, offering hope for the country’s next generation. Community-based education initiatives have also emerged, allowing some girls to study in private homes or local centers. However, these informal programs do not offer official certification, which limits long-term opportunities for employment and higher education.
Looking Ahead
In Afghanistan, education could promote long-term stability and recovery. Ensuring access to learning opportunities for all Afghans—especially women—remains critical. Until broader reforms are implemented, organizations like AIL continue to bridge the gap by providing educational opportunities to those who need them most. The country’s future potentially depends on creating an inclusive education system that empowers all citizens to contribute to the country’s recovery and economic growth.
– Burke Bunyard
Photo: Flickr
High-Risk Diseases in Botswana and Their Impact
HIV in Botswana: Progress and Challenges
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a critical public health issue in Botswana. HIV attacks the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (T cells), weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. If untreated, it progresses to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), increasing vulnerability to opportunistic infections.
To combat HIV, Botswana’s Ministry of Health (MOH) partnered with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand testing, prevention and treatment services. This collaboration has resulted in an extensive network of more than 200 HIV prevention sites nationwide. The Botswana AIDS Impact Survey collects critical data on sexual behaviors and risk factors, allowing policymakers to tailor interventions effectively. Additionally, the country has invested in widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs to ensure HIV-positive individuals receive life-saving treatment.
Efforts have yielded significant progress. By 2021, Botswana achieved a 97% viral suppression rate among HIV patients on ART. Additionally, more than 334,000 people received antiretroviral treatment, contributing to a 9% decrease in HIV transmission over the past decade. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including stigma, treatment adherence and reaching remote populations.
Tuberculosis: A Persistent Public Health Threat
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs. TB is airborne and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria into the air. Symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, fever, fatigue and weight loss.
Botswana has seen a rise in HIV-related TB cases, as individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the disease. The government has taken several measures to address TB, including expanding screening programs at hospitals and clinics, increasing access to diagnostic tools for early detection and ensuring the availability of effective TB medications, including aminoglycoside antibiotics.
Despite these interventions, co-infection rates of HIV and TB remain high, making TB prevention and treatment more complex. Ensuring consistent medication access, early detection and public awareness campaigns are essential to further reducing TB cases in Botswana.
Kaposi Sarcoma: Botswana’s Leading Cancer
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most prevalent malignancy in Botswana. It affects the lining of blood and lymphatic vessels and is strongly associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). KS is especially common among individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV.
Kaposi sarcoma presents significant health risks, causing purple or dark-colored skin lesions, swelling, enlarged lymph nodes and respiratory complications if the disease spreads to the lungs. To address KS, Botswana’s government has established four public oncology centers that provide cancer treatment services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, the country continues to face significant challenges, such as limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, shortages of experienced oncologists and delays in treatment due to resource constraints.
Increasing investments in cancer research, early detection programs and expanded health care infrastructure is crucial for improving Botswana’s ability to manage and treat Kaposi sarcoma effectively.
Strengthening Health Care Response in Botswana
While Botswana has made notable progress in combating HIV, tuberculosis and Kaposi sarcoma, challenges remain. Limited health care resources, economic instability and high co-infection rates continue to strain the public health system. Ongoing government initiatives and international partnerships—such as those with the CDC—are vital in ensuring continued progress in fighting diseases in Botswana. Expanding health care infrastructure, medical training programs and public awareness campaigns could be key to improving disease prevention and treatment outcomes. By addressing these high-risk diseases, Botswana can potentially enhance public health, reduce economic strain and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
– Hayden Reyes
Photo: Flickr