Archive for category: Foreign Aid

Foreign aid coverage and information.

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The World Food Program and Poverty in Liberia

The World Food Program: 3 Strategies Against Poverty in Liberia Liberia is a nation that leans greatly on foreign aid and investment. With 81% of Liberia’s population being food insecure and 93% unable to afford a healthy diet, malnutrition becomes a great threat. This especially goes for children under 5 years old in Liberia, who have the greatest Global Acute Malnutrition Rate in urban Montserrado. With high agricultural post-harvest losses and limited technology and knowledge, Liberia’s food insecurity is amplified. To help combat poverty and food insecurity in Liberia, the World Food Program (WFP) is aiding Liberia through three main strategies: resilience building, school meals and supply chain.

Resilience Building

Resilience-building activities in Liberia are used to target the most food-insecure people. WFP has a food assistance-for-assets (FFA) activity in which 1.8 million people participated in rehabilitation and asset creation projects. This included more than 62,000 hectares of land and 847 ponds that were rehabilitated and 172 new wells were raised. This inevitably benefited 3.15 million people as monitoring results of 2022 showed it decreased social conflict and instability between people over limited natural resources. Instead, it reinforced a stronger sense of community as the resilience programs promoted teamwork and acted as a foundation of support for many villages.

WFP also targets food insecurity and poverty by introducing savings practices. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), is a strategy for people to borrow from their savings for needs and requirements. These can be health care, food, school fees and business support. By educating people on how to borrow savings, people in rural Liberia learn how to handle their money utilizing the best practices for saving. Through this strategy, Liberia can fight poverty by educating its people and promoting further household economic security.

School Meals

WFP intends to revise the National School Feeding Policy. By incorporating a school meal program into the schools of Liberia, children can have guaranteed meals every day. This is significant work in combating the food insecurity and malnutrition that young people, particularly children, suffer from. WFP aims to establish a budget of $5 million for this school meal program and by 2025, increase the coverage of the school meal program by 45%.

While also combating food insecurity, WFP has also begun a ‘Breaking Barriers to Girls Education’ initiative that promotes education for girls and young women. This is a significant aspect of fighting poverty in Liberia, as 51% of the population lives on $1 a day. By giving women proper education, they will learn skills that open further opportunities for them in the work industry. This will allow them to earn a wage and curb poverty and food insecurity in Liberia. The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSF) has also benefited smallholder farmers as the program has increased their production, promoting economic stability for more people in the agricultural industry.

According to WFP, more than 5000 smallholder farmers now have a market to sell their produce and fight food insecurity with increased income levels. The increase in productivity in farmers also contributes to both the economic and food security of Liberia as their produce feeds children for free in schools, but they also get paid for their labor, meaning they can afford more food and fight food insecurity themselves.

Supply Chain

WFP and the Government of Liberia work together to deliver essential medical supplies and equipment to health care facilities. WFP transports health supplies to 13 county depots in Liberia, as well as 36 hospitals and 136 health centers. This is a vital aspect of reducing poverty in Liberia as it focuses on the health and well-being of the population. The necessary delivery of medical supplies and equipment allows the malnourished and injured to recover quickly, ensuring a healthy population. This leads to a greater number of healthy, able-bodied people in the workforce who can earn money to survive and help strengthen the economy.

Also in Liberia, WFP and CERFAM cooperated in a workshop that worked to assess the postharvest losses in the rice value chain. Following this, they led post-harvest management training to help reduce and prevent losses. This was carried out by the construction of post-harvest management facilities which not only allowed a chance for people to educate themselves and practice their skills through hands-on training but also offered new employment opportunities for building these facilities and teaching others in their community. This combats the poverty problem in the rural agricultural lands of Liberia that would be more limited in job opportunities, due to their isolated geography. As 70% of Liberia’s workforce is in the agricultural sector, knowledge and new equipment will help a large majority of the population, decreasing harvest losses and supporting farmers in crop production.

Looking Ahead

The WFP’s multi-faceted approach addresses Liberia’s food insecurity and poverty through resilience building, school meals and improved supply chains. These ongoing efforts provide immediate relief while also fostering long-term economic stability by educating communities and supporting agricultural growth. With nearly three-quarters of the population dependent on agriculture, WFP’s initiatives offer critical tools for enhancing productivity and reducing post-harvest losses, which directly benefits both farmers and their families.

– Chelsey Saya McLeod

Chelsey is based in Southampton, Hampshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The United States Announces $39 Million in Aid for Zimbabwe

Aid for ZimbabweIn July of 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced more than $39 million of assistance for Zimbabwe in the face of extreme food insecurity. The landlocked African country has encountered increasing rates of food insecurity following poor weather and droughts. These weather patterns have increased food insecurity in Zimbabwe and impacted the nation’s economy and agricultural infrastructure. Foreign assistance from organizations such as USAID can often make all the difference in the developing world. Here is what you need to know about U.S. foreign aid for Zimbabwe.

Weather Patterns Exacerbate Suffering in Zimbabwe

The Global Hunger Index has identified severe food insecurity in Zimbabwe that has only worsened with persistent droughts. Considering the existing food insecurity in the country, the El Niño weather patterns and the subsequent droughts plaguing sub-Saharan countries have worsened an already severe situation of food insecurity in Zimbabwe. Throughout the 2024 October-May agricultural season, around 80% of Zimbabwe received reduced rainfall, which resulted in the loss of almost 70% of crops across the country. Consequently, the Government of Zimbabwe has predicted that around 6 million citizens will require food assistance in the coming months.

Additionally, hits to the agricultural sector have numerous implications for Zimbabweans’ economy and general livelihoods. Thus, changes in weather patterns imply more than just elevated rates of food insecurity; they can also have resounding impacts across multiple sectors of the country’s infrastructure. The International Trade Administration (ITA), a subsection of the United States Department of Commerce, addresses the importance of the agricultural sector for Zimbabwe’s economy by stating that “Zimbabwe’s economic growth potential largely depends on developments in its agricultural sector.” The farming industry in the country is responsible for millions of jobs, 30% of export earnings, 15% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and the livelihoods of more than 60% of the population of Zimbabwe heavily rely on the success 

USAID’s Plan for Improvement

USAID recognizes agriculture’s critical role in the economy of Zimbabwe and has prioritized foreign aid to the nation for many years. Most recently, USAID announced $39 million in aid to help Zimbabwe address the impacts of weather change on its agriculture, bringing the total foreign assistance for the 2024 fiscal year to $62 million. In 2019 and 2020, USAID provided $86.9 million to combat food insecurity caused by droughts during the 2019-2020 agricultural season.

With the recently announced $39 million in aid from USAID, humanitarian partners will have the funding to support more than 500,000 severely food-insecure people during the 2024/2025 lean season. USAID partners provide food assistance in response to drought impacts, distribute supplies and livestock and improve water quality and sanitation for both consumption and agriculture, making a significant difference for thousands of Zimbabweans facing extreme food insecurity.

Final Note

Zimbabwe has frequently faced severe food insecurity due to its heavy reliance on agriculture for sustenance and economic stability. Weather changes have significantly disrupted everyday life in recent years, prompting USAID to provide critical funding to support the country’s humanitarian partners. In 2018 and 2019, droughts caused substantial crop losses during the agricultural season, leading to similar nationwide consequences as those seen in the 2023-2024 season. These recurring weather patterns have exacerbated Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to food insecurity, underscoring the ongoing need for support from USAID and other foreign aid initiatives.

– Juliana Granville

Juliana is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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China: The Great Hero for Poverty in Timor-Leste

China: The Great Hero for Poverty in Timor-Leste Since 2005, Timor-Leste, located in southeastern Asia, has depended on the Petroleum Fund as its primary source of revenue. The Petroleum Fund Law was designed to maximize revenue from natural resources to enhance human resources and the overall well-being of the country’s population. However, due to high withdrawal rates from this sovereign wealth fund, projections suggest it will be depleted by 2034. Consequently, government spending has decreased by almost 18%. This reduction has had a negative impact, as Timor-Leste, like other developing countries, has relied on oil revenue to build infrastructure, enhance education, improve health care and more. With job opportunities being extremely scarce, many residents have fallen into poverty.

Belt and Road Initiative

After President Xi Jinping of China met with the Prime Minister of East Timor-Leste, new hopes for strengthened economic ties emerged, leveraging roads and sea routes that link China with Asia, Africa and Europe. By joining the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, Timor-Leste enhanced its bilateral relations with China, contributing to greater social stability. This collaboration allows China to extend its innovations in industrialization, infrastructure and food sufficiency to East Timor, improving overall quality of life.

With 43% of its population engaged in agriculture, Timor-Leste stands to benefit from shared technological advances, water conservancy construction and irrigation techniques. This partnership is expected to boost cooperation in fisheries and reduce poverty in Timor-Leste, fostering a more self-sufficient environment. Collaborating with China also enables East Timor to advocate for the development of the Global South and strengthen its connections with international programs, including those of the United Nations (U.N.).

China’s Collaboration with the UNICEF

In Feb. 2024, China and UNICEF launched a $1.5 million project to assist the Timor-Leste community affected by floods and COVID-19. East Timor is vulnerable to heavy rains, mountain runoff and low soil permeability, making flooding a significant problem, especially as the pandemic lockdown left the majority unprepared. China’s objective with this project is to improve access to education, nutrition and sanitation for children impacted by this natural disaster. This collaboration between China and UNICEF aims to support 150,000 children and women in health and education, particularly important as flooding has destroyed many school buildings. Specifically, the project plans to provide nutrition services to 83,000 children and offer 34,000 pregnant women lessons in nutrition and breastfeeding. Moreover, it focuses on delivering life-saving assistance during these natural disaster emergencies.

Looking Ahead

Although Timor-Leste faced significant economic losses due to poverty, stemming from the depletion of its Petroleum Fund and a lack of jobs, China has helped rejuvenate the country toward a more developed state. The Belt and Road Initiative has enhanced access to roads and trade and preparations for climate-induced disasters have improved over time. Through these ongoing initiatives, Timor-Leste is progressing toward becoming a self-sufficient nation.

– Linda Yoonseo Lee

Linda is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bringing Hope to the Crisis in Sudan

Crisis in SudanSudan is facing a variety of crises, including a deadly power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces that has killed up to 150,000 people and continues to escalate. The country also contends with disease outbreaks and natural disasters such as extreme heat and flooding. The most significant crisis arises from political instability, fueled by conflicts and economic pressures. This instability has displaced 12 million people from their homes, with 10 million remaining within Sudan, marking the largest displacement crisis globally. Amid this mass displacement, severely restricted humanitarian access complicates efforts to deliver aid to vulnerable communities.

Humanitarian Efforts

Organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have expanded their operations to meet humanitarian needs in Sudan. It has established offices and initiated emergency response measures that provide cash assistance, clean water, sanitation and hygiene to communities lacking access to these essential resources.

Additionally, Save the Children has established the Sudan Emergency Relief Fund to aid child refugees from Sudan, which supplies medical equipment and services. This initiative uses emergency trauma kits for life-threatening situations and offers health clinics and nutrition supplements for displaced or malnourished children. Additionally, it provides children with opportunities to participate in sports and other activities, helping them to overcome adverse experiences.

U.S. Foreign Aid to Sudan

In March 2024, the United States (U.S.) delivered more than $47 million in foreign aid to Sudan and its host countries. Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration Julieta Vall Noyes represented the U.S. in this effort, which provided essential life-saving assistance and protection to the Sudanese people. This contribution increased the total U.S. aid for Sudanese relief to more than $968 million. Additionally, the U.S. government maintains a comprehensive archive of Sudanese conflicts and crises, detailing emergency responses, funding and relief efforts along with location maps. These detailed reports are instrumental in mitigating the effects of future crises that could lead to mass displacement or significant casualties.

Global Advocacy and Warnings of Famine

On June 18, 2024, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy, addressed the international community during a press conference, sounding the alarm about the impending famine and the ongoing horrific conflict in Sudan. “Famine is imminent,” she declared. “I regret to inform you that Sudan continues to spiral into chaos; it is just the tip of the iceberg.” Her speech highlighted the severe consequences of the conflict in Sudan, particularly the indiscriminate bombings that target small communities, inflicting violence on innocent people who have not provoked such attacks.

Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Senior Programming Director at the Sudan Family Planning Association Limiaa Ahmed supported Edem Wosornu in her advocacy. They emphasized the devastating impact of war on women and girls, the significant role of humanitarian aid in supporting small communities and the importance of listening to the voices of youth amid the chaos.

Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee addressed the international community, stating, “Civilians are in the line of fire. Nowhere is safe for them. Despite efforts by the United Nations (U.N.) and regional organizations, we have not succeeded.” The joint statements by Pobee, Edem Wosornu and Limiaa Ahmed effectively highlighted the crisis, prompting many council members to urge warring parties to resume dialogue and emphasize the protection of citizens. Additionally, several speakers called for an end to external interference.

Addressing Nutrition and Hunger in Crisis

A significant challenge in aiding Sudan, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis that has left 26.6 million people food insecure, is ensuring proper nutrition. To address this, the World Food Programme (WFP) delivers life-saving food to some of the most inaccessible areas of the Darfur region. Since 2019, WFP has implemented the Sudan Country Strategic Plan, which outlines interventions to foster sustainable development, enhance nutrition and identify developmental priorities and gaps in communities. These strategic outcomes were formulated in close collaboration with national partners to bolster local capacity to combat hunger and malnutrition across Sudan.

Looking Ahead

The multifaceted crisis in Sudan, which includes political instability, conflict and natural disasters, has created a dire humanitarian situation. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children are actively working to provide essential aid, while U.S. foreign assistance and global advocacy efforts continue to raise awareness and support. The World Food Programme’s strategic interventions aim to address food insecurity and malnutrition, offering a lifeline to the millions affected. The collective response underscores the urgent need for sustained international support to mitigate the severe impact on Sudan’s vulnerable populations.

– Jacob Barker

Jacob is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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USAID Pledges $176 Million to Combat Poverty in West Africa

USAID Pledges $176 Million to Combat Insecurity in West AfricaThe West Africa region is grappling with significant challenges, including food insecurity and economic instability. These challenges severely affect the quality of life, especially among vulnerable communities. As of April 2024, Mali, a nation steeped in conflict, faces acute food shortages. An estimated 2,600 people are at risk of severe starvation daily.

In Northern Nigeria, about 31% of women aged 15 to 49 suffer from acute malnutrition. Additionally, predictions indicate that around 55 million people in West and Central Africa could experience food insecurity during the lean season from June to August 2024. Furthermore, in West Africa, eight out of 10 children between 6 to 23 months old do not receive the minimum required food intake for healthy growth and development. In response, countries worldwide are pledging aid and support to those struggling with poverty in West Africa.

The U.S. Provides Aid to West Africa

On May 28, 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced it would provide an additional $176 million in humanitarian aid to West Africa. This funding aims to address the region’s severe security challenges and assist vulnerable communities. This contribution follows a previous allocation of $150 million on March 16, 2023. Funds were allocated to countries in West and Central Africa and the Sahel region. The funding supported refugees and internally displaced persons with health care and nutritional services through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). USAID’s efforts in West Africa are coordinated with United Nations (U.N.) agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), to facilitate USAID’s humanitarian assistance.

Details of USAID’s $176 Million Aid

USAID’s $176 million in foreign aid to West Africa encompasses food and nutritional support as well as health care services. In 2022, for example, USAID’s regional office in the Sahel provided emergency food assistance to about 1.8 million vulnerable individuals in Chad. Furthermore, they constructed 70 shelters for those displaced by local conflicts. Additionally, in Burkina Faso, this office facilitated pregnancy, natal and neonatal health care for roughly 405,000 mothers and their newborns. This support is crucial. More than 370 health care facilities in Burkina Faso were at risk of closure by February 2024 due to ongoing conflict between the government and armed rebels. This situation has left approximately 3.5 million people in urgent need of health care services. These ongoing efforts underscore the significance of the United States’ (U.S.) recent relief efforts in West Africa, where many countries face crises similar to those in Burkina Faso.

How U.N. Agencies Utilize Aid Funds

USAID’s $176 million foreign aid package to West Africa includes funding for U.N. agencies to help address critical issues like food insecurity and health care access in the region. For instance, between July 2022 and January 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Mali supported approximately 75,000 people in the Menaka region. The organization provided medical and nutritional assistance, including treating 1,034 malnourished children. Additionally, these funds enable the World Food Programme (WFP) to continue airlifting food to countries such as Burkina Faso. More than 1.2 million displaced individuals have benefited from these ongoing efforts. This underscores the vital role U.N. agencies play in ensuring that international aid is effectively utilized to support vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead

West Africa faces ongoing challenges of food insecurity and economic instability, affecting millions of vulnerable people. USAID’s $176 million aid aims to reduce poverty in West Africa by providing essential food and health care support. Collaborating with U.N. agencies, this initiative strives to alleviate the severe conditions in the region, underscoring the necessity for continuous international assistance.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rwanda Bill and Its Impact on People Seeking Asylum in the UK

Rwanda Bill and Its Impact on People Seeking Asylum in the UKOn April 22, 2022, the United Kingdom (U.K.) government proposed deporting people seeking asylum to Rwanda. Over the past two years, various groups including the United Nations (U.N.) refugee council, political opposition, some government members and the British public have expressed concerns. The European Court of Human Rights halted the initial deportation flight in 2022, pending a U.K. judicial review. The House of Commons recently endorsed the plan nearly two years after its introduction. The government asserts the bill aims to prevent dangerous, unlawful journeys to the U.K. and to undermine the operations of human traffickers exploiting vulnerable individuals.

Asylum Applications and International Rights

In the U.K., 75% of asylum applications result in the granting of the right to remain, illustrating the urgent need for safety that many people seeking asylum genuinely require, a fact often overlooked in public discourse. An asylum seeker is someone who has not yet received legal refugee status in another country and is awaiting a decision on their application. These individuals leave their home countries to escape persecution and severe human rights abuses. Despite derogatory terms such as “illegal immigrant” or “bogus cause” used against people seeking asylum, it remains a recognized international human right to apply for asylum in any country that is a signatory to the 1951 Convention.

Concerns and Consequences of the New Legislation

Under the new legislation, individuals transferred to Rwanda who later gain refugee or humanitarian status will not be permitted to enter the U.K. and must remain in Rwanda. The Refugee Council has issued a new report warning that these plans could lead to a catastrophic system failure, potentially leaving more than 100,000 people in a state of permanent uncertainty and costing taxpayers approximately £6.2 billion annually.

Organizations such as the UNHCR have expressed concerns about externalizing asylum obligations, citing risks of refoulement and a shift in responsibility for those potentially sent to Rwanda. Regarding the individuals earmarked for extradition to Rwanda, out of the 5,700 Rwanda has tentatively agreed to accept, only 2,143 are currently reporting to the U.K. Home Office and are locatable for detention.

People seeking asylum who arrive in the country often know no one. This isolation, coupled with fears of deportation to Rwanda, leads many to disappear, placing them in a highly vulnerable situation. Consequently, they face an increased risk of falling victim to crimes such as sexual exploitation and slavery.

Critical Response from Charities and Legal Advisors

Charities across the U.K. are actively opposing government actions, offering crucial information and ongoing support to people seeking asylum. Collectively, more than 250 charities have united to sign an open letter criticizing the government’s bill, arguing that it contravenes international obligations and diminishes the judiciary’s role in safeguarding human rights. Additionally, the letter criticizes the bill for neglecting the U.K.’s commitment to global responsibility for protecting those forced to seek refuge.

Refugee Action, one of the charities involved, actively supports refugees and those seeking asylum in the U.K. while also educating the public on the realities of being a refugee. This effort counters negative stereotypes often perpetuated by mainstream media. Through fundraising initiatives, the organization has secured more than £10 million for English language classes for refugees. Additionally, its advocacy includes the “Lift the Ban” campaign, which advocates outside Parliament for the right of asylum seekers to work, highlighting the challenge of surviving on just £6 a day.

Central England Law Centre

The Central England Law Centre provides free specialist legal advice to those most in need and utilizes legal processes to combat inequality. It expresses concern that the new law “would enable the Government to forcibly expel people seeking asylum—including children and survivors of trafficking and modern slavery—despite concerns they could be put at grave risk of harm and human rights abuses.” This is particularly troubling given that 41% of refugees are children, highlighting the law’s potential impact on vulnerable groups. As an independent and politically neutral entity, the Central England Law Centre ensures that all legal advice strives for clarity and justice, prioritizing the U.K.’s most vulnerable individuals.

The Broad Impact and Ongoing Support

People seeking asylum are now at greater risk than ever before. The overwhelming international support underscores the need to uphold the 1951 Refugee Convention to protect their rights. Regardless of the Rwanda policy, this situation underscores the peril faced by individuals forced to flee their homes and the controversy it stirs among those in power who are otherwise secure. Safety should not be debated; it is a fundamental right guaranteed by the 1951 Refugee Convention, which all signatories, including the U.K., are obligated to honor.

Looking Ahead

The U.K. government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has generated significant controversy and concern from international bodies, legal experts and the public. As the policy moves forward, its implications for the rights and safety of asylum seekers could remain a critical focus. Charities and legal organizations continue to advocate for the protection of vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need to uphold international human rights commitments.

– Kathryn Dodd

Kathryn Dodd is based in the UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen

KSRelief-WHO Funding Agreement for Sudan, Syria and Yemen Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Syria and Yemen have devastated public health institutions and affected millions. In Sudan, more than two-thirds of main hospitals are out of service, leaving 11 million people in need of urgent health care since April 2023. Syria faces a similar crisis, with more than 12.2 million people needing immediate medical attention due to inadequate health facility services. In Yemen, about 46% of health facilities are nonfunctional or partially operational, affecting 21.6 million people, at least two-thirds of the population. In response, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) is actively providing crucial support and resources to address these health care challenges.

International Aid and Collaboration

On May 25, 2024, KSRelief signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to fund WHO’s critical health response operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen to the amount of $19.4 million. Before signing the funding agreement, both organizations worked extensively to alleviate the pain the people in Sudan, Syria and Yemen endured.

At Jordan’s Zaatari camp for Syrian refugees, KSRelief has been operating medical clinics where doctors have provided health care assistance, including treatment for sinus and middle ear infections, to 2,349 Syrian patients. Similarly, WHO has been reinforcing disease surveillance in Sudan and Yemen to help countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia respond effectively to the health crises in these countries. KSRelief’s funding support to WHO’s critical health operations in Sudan, Syria and Yemen facilitates medical care on the ground.

Funding Dialysis Treatments in Sudan

KSRelief’s efforts includes providing $5 million to supply 100 dialysis machines and strengthen dialysis centers in Sudan. Currently, 77 renal dialysis centers in Sudan are only partially functioning and cannot provide life-saving dialysis treatment for the Sudanese people. According to the International Society of Nephrology, there are approximately 8,000 Sudanese people and more who have been relying on dialysis to stay alive since the conflict started. 

Healing Syria After the Earthquakes

On Feb. 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake in Syria destroyed many buildings, including essential hospitals and health clinics, affecting 8.8 million Syrians and resulting in the deaths of 5,954 Syrians. KSRelief supported WHO with a $4.75 million contribution to provide necessary medications and supplies to around 350,000 Syrians in need urgent health care. The funds allocated to Syria will also help WHO restore diagnostic capacity and ambulance services, assisting an estimated 4.1 million Syrians.

Countering Disease Outbreaks in Yemen

KSRelief is providing $9.5 million to support WHO’s operations in Yemen, focusing on strengthening responses to disease outbreaks like cholera and measles. Yemen currently faces over 40,000 suspected cholera cases and more than 34,000 cases of measles and rubella as of August 31, 2023. This funding also aims to help WHO enhance health care facilities in Yemen by improving their sanitation and hygiene services, thereby boosting their capacity to tackle disease outbreaks. These ongoing efforts are expected to benefit approximately 12.9 million Yemenis in urgent need of care due to the public health crisis.

Multilateral Collaboration to Address Critical Health Issues

KSRelief’s critical financial support to WHO’s health operations aims to ensure the safety of Sudanese, Syrian and Yemeni people who dream of a stable and secure future. The ongoing efforts highlight the impact multilateral collaboration between countries and organizations could have in addressing global health issues.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Rwanda

Foreign Aid to RwandaRwanda is a small, hilly, landlocked country in sub-Saharan Africa with around 14 million people. The 1994 genocide against the Tutsi destroyed many essential government buildings and services, completely devastating the country. The international community largely regards the Rwandan government as an “effective development partner”. They see the country as one that employs international aid efficiently to implement its rebuilding and development strategies. Rwanda’s reputation stems from the government’s strong capacity to implement policies with minimal corruption. This ensures that no aid or natural resources are misused or wasted. Rwanda has a good history of aid going directly towards policies that benefit the population and foster sustainable development. Foreign aid to Rwanda showcases encouraging results and serves as an example for other countries.

Major Donors to Rwanda

The major foreign country donors to Rwanda are the U.S., Germany, France and Japan. As of 2021, Rwanda’s biggest donor was the U.S., donating $174 million. In total in 2021, Rwanda received $1.3 billion in foreign aid. The country receives some of the largest aid per capita compared to its regional neighbours. In 2021, Rwanda received $98 in aid per capita, greater than $55 for Uganda, $37 for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and $47 for Burundi during the same year.

Foreign aid to Rwanda has come under more scrutiny lately as international donors have expressed concern over the country’s role in supporting human rights abuses and conflict in the DRC with its reported support of the rebel military group M23. Rwanda’s reported involvement in the current conflict in the DRC. culminated in the U.S. suspending aid in 2012. Currently, Rwanda is still facing international pressure from countries like France to stop its support of M23 and is threatening to reduce foreign aid to Rwanda if it continues to support the conflict.

Health Care Aid

Most foreign aid to Rwanda from the U.S. goes to improving the population’s health by investing in preventative HIV/AIDS measures and basic health, such as malaria prevention. According to BMJ, “Rwanda was among the first African countries to document AIDS cases in 1983, and subsequent HIV/AIDS surveillance has confirmed that Rwanda’s HIV epidemic is longstanding and severe in many settings.”

There has always been a massive divide between the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in rural and urban settings. At its peak in 1986, the urban prevalence of HIV was 17.8%, while the rural prevalence was 1.3%, according to BMJ. The investment into preventative HIV/AIDS measures has resulted in a 56% reduction in new HIV infections over the last 15 years, a dramatic decrease among the population in the country that is on track to remove the HIV epidemic in the country.

U.S. supports Rwanda’s fight against HIV/AIDS through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program is a global initiative that aims to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in countries by funding antiretroviral therapy, supporting prevention programs, and investing in health care infrastructure.

Education

Another significant investment Rwanda makes using foreign aid is in primary education for children. The great priority the government has given to education has enabled Rwanda to sustain near-universal access to primary education for over a decade. The focus on education has allowed more children to get an early start to learning through schooling with gender parity. Early education is the first step for Rwanda to develop its economy, reduce poverty and increase its quality of life. Aid from foreign countries has been integral to Rwanda’s impressive economic development since the 1994 genocide. Rwanda has consistently had positive GDP growth, except for the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. However, Rwanda has seen a recovery in 2022 as the GDP grew by 8.2%.

Rwanda has an ambitious goal of being a middle-income country by 2035 and a high-income country by 2050. Policy decisions in Rwanda consider these goals and are highly influential in how it uses the foreign aid it receives. Foreign aid to Rwanda is necessary for its development to reach these goals, and it can not succeed by its production alone. Rwanda has positively utilized foreign aid to rebuild the country after the devastating 1994 genocide. In many respects, it is quite remarkable how much the country has developed after the genocide and how much it has exceeded people’s expectations for the country. While there are concerns about a decrease in future aid because of human rights concerns, foreign aid remains an essential source of support for Rwanda’s development goals and increasing the quality of life.

– Mathieu Paré

Mathieu is based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Foreign Aid to Georgia Pre New Bill 

Foreign Aid to GeorgiaGeorgia has received a total of $5.3 billion in ongoing foreign aid which includes investment projects, grants, budget support and technical assistance. Its major donors include the European Investment Bank (EIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, EU, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Germany and the United States of America remain the top two foreign countries to provide financial assistance to Georgia. 

Georgia’s International Relations

The United States (U.S.) supports Georgia due to its strategic significance as a young democracy striving for deeper integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. Georgia’s location at a crucial international crossroads and its commitment to mutual security objectives further underscore the importance of this partnership. The U.S. aims to help Georgia enhance its resilience and prosperity, fostering a stronger and more resilient democracy in the region. The U.S. President Joe Biden’s Administration’s fiscal year 2025 budget proposal for the Department of State and USAID aims to disburse $80 million in foreign aid to Georgia under Assistance to Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia.

The World Bank remains committed to Georgia’s progress and endeavours to continue supporting its journey towards a more competitive, environmentally sustainable, digitally advanced and business-friendly economy that creates opportunities for its citizens. The World Bank has extended substantial foreign aid to Georgia totalling $3.88 billion. This support, including funds from the International Development Association (IDA), has been aiming to support 86 projects covering various sectors of the economy. 

EU and Georgia

The EU and Georgia have maintained ties for more than 25 years, and currently, their relationship is more robust than ever before. Surveys indicate that as much as 90% of Georgia’s 3.7 million people favour EU accession; and, in return, the EU aids Georgia in unlocking its economic potential through international collaboration. This involves providing assistance to align with EU legislative standards and facilitating integration into broader economic frameworks.

EU is Georgia’s major trading partner. Its exports to Georgia amounted to €3.23 billion and it imported goods worth €1.026 billion in 2022. In the coming years, the EU hopes to invest in several flagship projects in Georgia to foster economic development and improve quality of life. These projects include establishing reliable internet through a Black Sea data cable and electricity cable, enhancing connectivity with ferry connections in the Black Sea and supporting 80,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These initiatives collectively aim to boost economic growth, enhance connectivity, support local businesses and improve living standards across the country.

Georgia’s Poverty Rate

According to the World Bank, Georgia’s poverty rate declined from 70.6% in 2010 to 47.7% in 2022. Furthermore, the job market showed robust improvement, with unemployment dropping from 20.6% in 2021 to a historic low of 16.4% in 2023. In fact, in 2022, the Government of Georgia officially joined the World Bank Group’s International Development Association (IDA) as a donor. And finally, with the West granting Georgia candidate status, the EU accession process could offer opportunities to accelerate reforms and foster prosperity. 

European Foreign Aid to Georgia

USAID’s ongoing initiatives in Georgia prioritize several key areas, including job creation and enhancing educational and professional training to equip Georgians with the skills needed for a modern economy. These initiatives focus on education and professional training, increasing employability and income potential, ultimately lifting individuals out of poverty.

In recent years, foreign aid to Georgia has included significant contributions such as Germany’s €310 million COVID-19 relief funding in 2020 and a combined investment of €641 million from AFD (France) and KfW (Germany) in 2023, with E.U. grants amounting to €8.5 million for the “Green Transition for Georgia” project.

Additionally, a substantial investment of €6.5 million from the European Union and €1 million from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has been allocated to explore untapped social and economic potentials in regions such as Guria, Imereti, Kakheti and Racha-Lechkhumi/Kvemo Svaneti. This support for green energy projects not only reduces dependency on costly energy imports but also creates new job opportunities in renewable energy sectors, mitigating environmental degradation and contributing to sustainable poverty reduction.

The Council of the European Union has announced the adoption of a €30 million assistance measure for Georgia under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This measure aims to support “the Georgian Defence Forces in enhancing national security, stability and resilience within the defence sector.” Enhanced national security could create a stable environment crucial for economic growth, attracting foreign investment and fostering local business development, which generates employment.

Georgia’s Recent “Foreign Agents” Bill

A major recent development by the Georgian government has questioned the continuation of foreign aid. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Georgian lawmakers approved the legislation, with 84 members of the country’s 150-member law-making body voting in favor. This new bill requires non-governmental organizations, receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad, to register as “organizations serving the interests of a foreign power” or face fines. Supporters argue that the new bill aims to maintain foreign investment transparency and avoid foreign influence on Georgian politics. They also say the new bill is based on a similar U.S. law — the Foreign Agents Registration Act — which dates back to 1938.

The people of Georgia understand this to be a “Kremlin-style” law as similar legislation passed by Moscow in 2012 has been used to crack down on dissenters in the country. Due to Georgia’s history with Russia, there are multiple protests in the streets of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, against the new bill implementation. 

Georgia was recently given official candidate status for the EU membership in 2023 and the new bill does not align with European values of free speech. With the passing of this bill, the Georgian government is getting further away from accessing the EU which can be a “turning point” for its relations with the two countries including funding to be possibly pulled off by the U.S.

According to The Guardian, the Georgian government is hinting at the possibility of dropping the bill in return for revised support from the States or “a package of economic and security support from Washington.”

– Sakshi Pillai

Sakshi is based in Ontario, Canada and focuses on Politics and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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US Aid to Colombia: Navigating the Complexities of Internal Conflict

US Aid to ColombiaTo understand the complexity of U.S. foreign aid to Colombia, it is necessary to examine the current state of the country’s internal conflict. U.S. aid to Colombia has historically focused on combating the drug trade in Buenaventura, as evidenced by initiatives like Plan Colombia. The relationship between poverty, illicit markets and paramilitary groups in Colombia complicates the lives of individuals living in impoverished areas, often forcing them to turn to coca farming and drug trafficking as a means of survival.

“I was raised in Medellín,” said Luis Arango, who did social research in Buenaventura with the University of Antioquia, in an interview with The Borgen Project. “Medellín in the 1980s was the most violent city in the world, so I can understand how drug trafficking links with minorities living in poverty areas. They become part of the business, not because they want to, but because it is one of the only possibilities of making money.”

Considering the role of the drug trade in the country’s internal conflict, recent U.S. foreign aid to Colombia has centered largely around prohibition – for better or for worse. Here is a summary of the role of the drug trade in Colombia’s internal conflict and how it relates to U.S. aid and its prospects.

Internal Conflict in Colombia

A nuanced relationship between the illicit drug trade, paramilitary groups and poverty punctuates the country’s internal conflict. To begin, Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine producer and the port of Buenaventura handles 60% of its imports and exports – from coffee to gold to drugs.

Buenaventura’s port generates $1.8 billion annually in customs tax revenue, but the surrounding regions see little of it. For many, the only viable way to earn a living wage is by working in drug trafficking, as the area has experienced significant poverty. For example, 80% of Buenaventura’s population lived below the nation’s poverty line in 2003, compared to 39.3% nationally. There is also rural dependency on cocoa farming for survival. Outside the port city, in the Andes Mountains, cheap labor continues. In 2021, the UNODC reported that coca cultivation reached a historical high, and 52% of farming is located in special management zones where it threatens preservation of biological and cultural diversity.

Further, numerous armed groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), fund themselves on illegal economies such as drug trafficking.

History of US Aid to Colombia

The U.S. has provided aid to Colombia since 1822, when the country gained independence from Spain. In recent years, U.S. aid has focused on promoting peace in the country, the U.S. Department of State reports. According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, “Since 2016, the United States has provided more than one billion dollars in direct and indirect support to Colombia’s peace implementation – the largest contribution of any international actor.”

To promote peace, foreign aid to Colombia has focused on combating points of internal conflict such as paramilitary groups and the illicit drug markets that fuel them. According to the U.S. Department of State, “The U.S. government supports Colombian peace efforts by working in conflict-affected rural areas of Colombia where violence, drug trafficking, limited state presence and the absence of licit economic opportunities historically converge.”

In 2000, the U.S. initiated Plan Colombia, allocating $10 billion for cartel combat through crop eradication. Initial aerial fumigation was halted due to carcinogenic concerns by the World Health Organization (WHO). Presently, Washington and Bogotá fund eradication by hand. The National Police aims to eradicate 20,000 hectares in 2023, 60% less than the unmet 2022 objective. Previous plans to dismantle the drug trade have not been as effective as anticipated.

Current Updates and Prospects

International partners have initiated projects to improve the socioeconomic position of farmers. The Colombian Government, UNODC and international partners began a project that aims to increase income for farmers by supporting their sale of legal products such as coffee, honey, coconuts and beans to make them more competitive in domestic and international markets.

The World Bank also ratified its support for Colombia through a $750 million financing of the Program for the Development of Equitable and Sustainable Policies. This was “in recognition of the country’s efforts to overcome the injustices and exclusion that have generated high levels of inequality and to advance the peace process in the country,” according to a 2023 press release from the World Bank.

Luis Arango considers more alternative approaches to prohibition, with a focus on alleviating poverty in Buenaventura through legalization and regulation, youth art initiatives and new financial incentives for farmers. “It will be interesting to see if there’s some kind of support for the people who are trying to have another answer,” Arango says. Meanwhile, the notable shift in focus on increasing income for farmers of Buenaventura presents a promising example of a sustainable resolution to drug-related poverty in Colombia.

–  Sheridan Smith

Sheridan is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr