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The Cut of USAID Programs in Burma

USAID Programs in BurmaAs of Feb. 23, 2025, President Trump brought global administrative leave for USAID programs — directly impacting Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) for it is the fourth-largest recipient of foreign aid in the region, according to The Diplomat. It is no surprise that “the United States government’s abrupt and sweeping freeze on foreign aid is severely endangering the human rights of refugees, civilians in armed conflict areas and individuals fleeing persecution in Myanmar,” Amnesty International said in a February 2025 statement.

While USAID may be generally paused, this has not stopped individual U.S. volunteers’ going out to play their part! Doctors Without Borders, for example, took U.S. volunteers’ aid to the Myanmar skies. Brought into action in April 2025, the program “immediately deployed its teams of medical, mental health, logistics, and water and sanitation staff,” even installing a new water filtration system at Mandalay General Hospital. Here is information about what is happening in light of the pause of USAID programs in Burma.

Life in Myanmar

Oxfam America highlighted the aftermath of USAID cuts, stating that “at least 23 million children stand to lose access to education, and as many as 95 million people would lose access to basic health care, potentially leading to more than 3 million preventable deaths per year.”

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defines poverty in Myanmar as:

  • Unsustainable coping mechanisms from 75% of the population, such as cutting health care and education expenses, even from the relatively well-off, causing an erosion of the middle class and a human capital crisis.
  • Restricted access to farmlands (rising food insecurity) and medical services. 
  • Increased child labor and displacement.

With the notable absence of American assistance and USAID programs in Burma, reporter Theresa Naw wrote that Myanmar has once again become a victim of Trump’s “America First” foreign policy. The country’s loss of a $45 million scholarship program has left its funding nearly depleted.

Oxfam International

Oxfam International “works to reduce poverty and inequality through promoting the power of women and men to harness the benefits of political reform and economic development,” according to the organization. Its 2016 project ‘‘Building Equitable and Resilient Livelihoods in the Dry Zone” solidified their good work for Myanmar’s people. Its score for improved/sustained livelihoods and resilience sector exceeded expectation, after being set at 2.94, yet reached 4.02. The project established business relationships between township departments and parliament with local NGO’s and Mo’s of other villages, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and building resilience against climate-related hazards.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee has been working to support emergency response efforts. Reporter Joanna Nahorska wrote that priorities include “medical assistance, shelter, emergency items such as blankets, food, clean water, and cash support.”

With more than 19 million people now in need, the IRC:

  • Helps communities identify their own development needs and design their own recovery projects, including new schools and health centers.
  • Promotes economic recovery by teaching farmers modern agricultural techniques and technology, helping to repair the human capital crisis.

The Disasters Emergency Committee

The Disasters Emergency Committee has provided critical support, funding cash assistance and vouchers for 105,000 people to repair homes and pay medical expenses and directly helping the cut to health and education expenses. It set up the Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, which in line with their charity ‘Age International’ has been providing cash assistance to older people in the Inle Lake region, alongside psychosocial support to help them process what they have been through.

USAID in Burma

In 2015, USAID program officials declared that they would work alongside the Government of Burma to “initiate new activities that strengthen parliamentary systems, engage civil society in the reform process, provide technical expertise to the Union Election Commission, and develop inclusive and accountable political parties.”

Previous USAID programs in Burma are still prevalent in today’s crisis. Back in 2009, Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) was formed to tackle “poverty and hunger directly in Myanmar’s rural communities.” Now in 2025, it has served 2.6 million people through microfinance institutions, with 91% of recipients being women, helping to re-build the falling economy.

Moving Forward

As early as 2024, CNN reported that half of Burma’s 54 million people were living below the poverty line, with nearly 50% surviving on less than 76 cents a day, according to reporter Helen Regan. Following this, Trump’s pullbacks meant that “Myanmar was on track to lose around $1.1 billion in foreign assistance over the second Trump term,” The Diplomat reported.

Despite this, hope for change remains. Oxfam America found that “when asked how much would be appropriate for the U.S. to invest in foreign aid, more than 95% of respondents identified an amount higher than the administration’s current budget.”

What comes next is for the remaining 5% to continue pushing for stronger foreign aid investments. 

– Gemma Nailer

Gemma is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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America First Global Health Strategy Investing in Kenyan Health

America First Global Health StrategyThe U.S.’s America First Global Health Strategy formalized a five-year agreement with Kenya, marking the first of many anticipated bilateral agreements with developing nations. Under this strategy, a co-investment model with Kenya has been established, allowing funding to flow directly from government to government, rather than through traditional channels such as USAID or nongovernmental organizations.

The America First Global Health Pact

On December 4, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto signed the America First Global Health Strategy. Under the agreement, the U.S. will invest up to $1.6 billion, while Kenya will contribute $850 million to support critical public health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and maternal and child health. The framework aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in developing nations while enhancing diplomatic relations.

As the first country to sign, Kenya serves as a test case for a potential major shift in global health partnerships. The America First Global Health Strategy reflects a shift in the U.S.’s foreign aid ideology. After dismantling the USAID earlier this year, which resulted in significant cuts in funding for several global health programs, the current administration has sought out a framework it hopes will support state sovereignty and self-reliance.

Strengthening Africa’s HIV Response Through Direct Funding

At the 23rd International Conference on AIDs and STIs in Africa, UNAIDS executive director, Winne Byanyima, argued that health management has not been a priority in Africa, where funds are typically allocated toward debt repayment, as opposed to community health. Africa accounts for the majority of new HIV cases globally, with women representing 62% of infections. Economic disparities and lack of access to education are contributing factors.

It is reported that 46% of adolescent girls are not enrolled in school, exposing them to sexual and gender based violence. UNAIDS has welcomed this framework, as it aligns with its goal of significantly reducing HIV infections by 2030. The initiative aims for 95% of people with HIV to know their status, 95% of those diagnosed to receive treatment and 95% of those treated to achieve viral suppression.

Direct funding to the Kenyan government is expected to strengthen its ability to respond promptly to public health concerns and maintain control over its health priorities.

What Kenya Risks

Despite its potential, there has been backlash. The Consumer Federation of Kenya is seeking to dismantle the agreement, arguing that it violates the constitution as it pertains to concerns with health data privacy. The Consumer Federation of Kenya also argues that there isn’t sufficient oversight as to how sensitive health information would be transferred and used.

The Nairobi High Court has suspended parts of the agreement pending a full hearing. There have also been concerns of service disruption during the transitional phase from the NGO programs.

A New Development Era?

If Kenya’s experience produces positive health outcomes, the America First Global Health Strategy can serve as a blueprint for American partnerships with other nations in Africa. So far, Uganda and Rwanda have also recently signed agreements under this co-investment model. Whether this agreement marks a breakthrough in global health cooperation is yet to be determined.

However, Kenya’s outcome will likely influence agreements with other developing nations and the evolution of international development policy in the 21st century.

– Gloria Bwenge

Gloria is based in New York, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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NGOs Partnerships Following Foreign Aid Cuts in Uganda

Foreign Aid Cuts in UgandaThe decision to dismantle USAID was devastating for millions of people around the world. Several countries suffered immediate effects from the cuts in foreign aid, which provided necessities such as food, education and health care. Uganda is one of the hardest-hit areas for two reasons:

  1. It hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, nearly 2 million people, 81% of whom are women and children; and
  2. It faces a severe, chronic HIV epidemic and relies heavily on U.S. support for HIV treatment and prevention.

Uganda lost 66% of the funding received from USAID, which is approximately $307 million. As a result, many areas have been affected, including food aid, which has been cut due to a funding shortage, leading to increased hunger and malnutrition. However, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are hard-pressed to continue providing services on the same scale with less funding.

The Impact of Foreign Aid Cuts on Uganda

1. Education:

USAID funding supported school construction and the procurement of learning materials in Uganda. The funding also supported teacher training programs. Digital learning tools provided schools in remote areas, improving access to education. The lack of funding results in under-resourced schools and a reduced ability to meet growing demands.

This affects girls explicitly as it decreases their access to education regarding reproductive and menstrual health. Girls, seeking security, will marry early and lose hard-fought gains in gender equity. In refugee communities, funding shortages have led to staffing shortages. In one refugee settlement, there were 36 teachers with more than 3,400 students. Following funding cuts, nine teachers are left to manage classes of up to 500 students each.

2. Health:

USAID administers close to 60% of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) bilateral funding, which provided more than half of the medication and staff needed to respond to the HIV epidemic in Uganda. PEPFAR also accounted for nearly 90% of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiatives on a global scale. Millions now are at risk of contracting HIV due to foreign aid cuts.

PrEP is restricted to pregnant and lactating mothers. Funding cuts cause immediate disruptions in care for thousands who depend on consistent medication (i.e., Anti-Retroviral Therapy). This increases the risk of babies being born with HIV. Vaccine shortages caused by foreign aid cuts increase the risk of contracting other diseases like TB, Ebola and Malaria.

Foreign aid cuts also lead to staffing shortages, making it challenging for those who remain to deliver the same level of health care with fewer resources and a reduced number of qualified staff.

One NGO in particular, St. Francis Health Care Services, provided HIV testing, medication and prevention products to sex workers in Uganda, but this was stopped due to cuts in foreign aid. Mwesigye, a country representative with the U.K.-based NGO All We Can, stated, “You know, there was almost an alarm… people were being told to run as fast as they could to the next health unit to get their dose for a few months… but that is also going to run out.”

The Response

When formal protection systems collapsed, local citizens and/or refugees stepped up to fill the gap. The NGO St. Francis Health Care Services received funding from PEPFAR several years earlier. However, its funding was cut after Uganda passed its anti-homosexuality act. The nonprofit was able to secure the funding again; however, its leadership began to realize how dangerous it could be for them and their ability to continue providing the vital services needed in the community.

After the organization’s funding was cut the first time, it began seeking private donors. It increased its revenue by offering paid services, such as surgery, maternal care, radiology and dental exams. As a result, it was less vulnerable to the effects of the foreign aid cuts. However, health leaders still had to make decisions in response to the cuts to foreign aid.

Other strategies implemented include moving away from standalone HIV/TB clinics and referring patients to government outpatient clinics; utilizing a large network of private clinics, seeking non-U.S. international collaborations, increasing donor outreach and implementing technological solutions (e.g., AI). Health officials propose using AI to identify high-risk patients, allowing them to be seen sooner.

Another NGO, Soft Power Health, continues to care for approximately 50,000 patients. This organization operates on a $699,000 budget, which is funded by private organizations and individual donors. It was also more insulated against the foreign aid cuts and continued its work. Services provided include transportation, free HIV medication and gardening and health education. Another clinic lost its funding and donated medical equipment to Soft Power Health, allowing it to continue testing for TB.

Grassroots Groups in Uganda

In response to the aid cuts, grassroots groups in Uganda have turned to farming, petty trade and vocational activities, selling milk and produce, while youth join skills programs to learn trades like tailoring. Women have formed support groups for survivors of gender-based violence and girls at risk, which have become lifelines through regular meetings and check-ins.

These community efforts are complemented by Volunteer Village Health Teams, who refer survivors to clinics that remain open, provide mental health services and conduct awareness sessions on gender rights and protection. Boda Boda riders, a network of volunteer motorcycle riders, transport survivors from remote villages to clinics, legal aid offices, or safer areas and have organized informal night patrols to discourage exploitation and monitor hotspots known for abuse.

Forging a Path Forward

Joy Kawanguzi, team leader of FABIO-Uganda, discusses the abruptness of the foreign aid cuts in Uganda: “It did not give us time to prepare. So the abruptness alone is an inconvenience.” She adds that the foreign aid cuts “put local organizations in a place where they start feeling like they are more implementers of donor ideologies. Because if a local organization were a key player, this decision would not have been drastic. There would have been consultations.”

Mwesigye agrees and advocates for organizations to be able to use funding for core costs instead of just fulfilling projects: “…if core costs are paid for; if you build the institution rather than fulfill project goals, then the institution will be bold enough to be able to work and do what it needs to do.”

These statements are indicative of a desire to move away from dependence on outside donors. Their sentiment is fueled by the question no one can answer: “What if this happens again?” The path forward for the people of Uganda is one where they have free rein with the resources they are given and the opportunity to achieve independence.

– Danielle Milano

Danielle is based in Pineville, LA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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UNFPA-UNICEF: Supporting Adolescent Girls in West Africa

UNFPA-UNICEFIn the heart of West Africa during September 2024, floods devastated large portions of northeastern Nigeria. Millions of Nigerians were displaced and thousands of children and adolescents lost their belongings, including clothes, school bags, uniforms and shoes.

Yasmin Sherif, the Executive Director of Education Cannot Wait, described how disruptions caused by natural disasters like this have serious consequences for adolescent girls in West Africa. These girls already face high rates of gender-based violence (GBV) such as abduction and sexual violence, as well as child, early and forced marriage (CEFM).

CEFM in West Africa

An estimated 30% of adolescent girls in Nigeria are married before the age of 18 and approximately 27% of girls aren’t in school. With rooted cultural beliefs already limiting the participation of adolescent girls in West African society, the Malala Fund found that CEFM further reduces their opportunities. It decreases women and girls’ chances of finishing secondary or higher education by 23%.

In 2018, CEFM affected between 30% and 40% of adolescent girls in Liberia and Mauritania. The rates were higher in Nigeria at about 40%. Well-paying job opportunities for teenage girls in West Africa decline even further when they are blocked from education.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) is a human rights violation with long-lasting consequences on psychological and physical health, with an especially high prevalence in West Africa. Roughly 18% of adolescent girls are affected in Nigeria, 38% in Liberia, 75% in Burkina Faso, 83% in Sierra Leone, 88.6% in Mali and 94.5% in Guinea. As a consequence of social norms, gender biases and false beliefs about female genitalia, the practice is often a prerequisite for adolescent girls’ passage into adulthood or marriage.

UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Program on FGM Elimination

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) coordinate the Joint Program, utilizing funding from nations around the world to provide technical assistance. The U.S. was the second largest contributor in 2023, with $5 million donated and $29.2 million raised, outpacing the European Union and Canada.

Collaboration is at the heart of the program from the grassroots to the national levels. It enables it to be the world’s largest FGM elimination effort. The Joint Program’s primary mission seeks to partner with national governments, NGOs and private sector entities to “shift underlying social norms within affected communities.” To protect millions of adolescent girls in West Africa, the Joint Program leads advocacy efforts and supports national and subnational-level policymaking.

It also provides financial assistance to help countries address the issue directly. Other efforts include establishing community surveillance systems, mass media messaging to garner international attention, organizing grassroots entities into powerful coalitions and developing prevention and protection services. Thousands of arrests have sprung from the Joint Program’s enforcement and FGM legislation support.

When the program launched in 2008, FGM affected 30% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in Nigeria. A decade later, the prevalence dropped to 20%. Burkina Faso is an especially successful example wherein FGM rates were consistently between 72% and 76% from 1999 to 2010, falling to 68% in 2015 and 56% in 2020. Unfortunately, the rate in Mali from 2008 to 2019 fluctuated between 85% and 91%, highlighting the need for further support.

UNFPA-UNICEF Global Program To End Child Marriage

The U.S. contributed $500,000 to the Global Program in 2023, which began in 2016 and is scheduled to end in 2030. It is now in the third and final phase (2024-2030). This program focuses its efforts in West and Central Africa, where six of the top 10 nations affected by child marriage reside.

By supporting school retention rates, mobilizing communities and delivering cost-effective services, the program empowers adolescent girls in West Africa. Through direct advocacy for national policy frameworks and assistance to governments in implementing them, the program further helps them become independent members of society.

As a direct result, multiple nations within the African Union have endorsed the African Common Position to End Child Marriage and the Campaign to End Child Marriage in Africa. Moreover, several African states have begun developing and executing their national strategies and action plans to end CEFM, with the assistance of UNICEF and UNFPA.

The European Union and Canada were the largest contributors to the Global Program in 2023. However, U.S. funding directly benefits adolescent girls in West Africa by expanding resource and opportunity access, empowering young girls and women and securing government commitment to protection from GBV.

The Future of US Support for West African Girls

The U.S. has contributed to significant efforts at reducing GBV, CEFM and FGM among adolescent girls in West Africa. Established programs continue to increase girls’ access to education, expand their economic participation and reduce their exposure to incidents of violence and oppression. While CEFM and FGM rates continue to decline globally, adolescent girls in West Africa still persistently suffer from the highest rates of occurrence. This trend has been consistent over the last 25 years.

Since the release of the U.S.’s 2016 Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls, new challenges have arisen in humanitarian conflicts, natural disasters, crises and access to digital technologies. In the updated 2024 report, the U.S. Office of Global Women’s Issues declared that Africa’s child population will be “an essential determinant of any success in achieving greater economic growth, democracy and stability.” The U.S. thus reaffirmed its commitment to empower adolescent girls in West Africa and around the globe.

– Shea Dickson

Shea is based in Newton, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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US Aid Supports Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia

Poverty Reduction in EthiopiaEducation is a tool for shaping equality, stability and opportunity. In Ethiopia, where poverty and conflict have long disrupted daily life, the United States (U.S.) support for literacy programs has gone beyond helping students read. By investing in education, the U.S. has tied its aid to broader goals of resilience, democracy and regional stability. The READ II initiative, launched by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), demonstrates how targeted efforts in early grade literacy can build stronger institutions and reduce inequality. At its core, this is a story about poverty reduction in Ethiopia and how education has become both an economic strategy and a political act.

Education as a Driver of Growth and Equity

A country’s knowledge capital, the skills and competencies of its people, is one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic growth. Studies have shown that three-quarters of the variation in GDP growth across nations between 1960 and 2000 was tied to cognitive achievement, particularly in math and science. In other words, expanding education quality is not a luxury; it is a necessity for national prosperity and poverty reduction in Ethiopia.

Yet education’s importance is not purely economic. As global development organizations emphasize, inequality is often the result of political choices. When good schooling is accessible only to the wealthy, it entrenches privilege, prevents social mobility and locks families into cycles of poverty. Conversely, universal education can halve rates of extreme poverty, with each additional year of schooling raising earnings significantly, up to 20% for women.

Formal education also has lasting effects on cognitive development and problem-solving skills, equipping individuals to navigate challenges such as climate risks, economic shocks or social upheaval. In this sense, expanding access to education strengthens not only economies but also the adaptive capacity of entire societies.

The Role of READ II in Ethiopia

Recognizing these links, USAID partnered with Ethiopian institutions to launch READ II, a five-year program designed to improve literacy for 15 million children. The initiative provided teachers with training and materials in seven local languages and English, encouraged a culture of reading in schools and homes and emphasized gender equity in education.

READ II was not just a technical intervention—it was a political collaboration. By working with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education and a coalition of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the project aimed to institutionalize literacy improvements, ensuring they could outlast donor funding. This alignment of local and international actors underscores how education aid is deeply tied to governance and policymaking, not just classroom outcomes.

Adapting to Crisis: The Impact of READ II

Over its first three years, READ II supported 3,000 schools across more than 70 districts, reaching at least 3 million primary students. Teachers, administrators and volunteer literacy leaders received training, while reading camps and girls’ clubs helped broaden educational access.

When the COVID-19 pandemic and political conflict threatened these gains, the program pivoted. Remote learning through radio and television, teacher training delivered virtually and even hotline services kept students connected to education. As conflict displaced communities, READ II (renamed the Education Recovery Activity) delivered supplies, temporary classrooms and psychosocial support for students in 1,156 conflict-affected schools. These adjustments revealed the program’s deeper role: sustaining social stability during crises.

Education and Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia

The results of initiatives like READ II have been measurable. Between 2010 and 2016, Ethiopia’s poverty rate fell from 29.6% to 23.5%, lifting more than 5 million people out of poverty. While many factors contributed, the expansion of quality education provided critical pathways to opportunity and poverty reduction in Ethiopia. By shaping who has access to opportunity, education influences whether inequality deepens or poverty declines. In Ethiopia, U.S.-funded literacy programs have been both an economic and a democratic investment, with long-term implications for national stability.

Looking Ahead

Education empowers individuals not only with skills for the workforce but also with the civic tools to participate in democracy. Studies consistently show that increased education correlates with higher rates of political engagement and more equitable governance. In Ethiopia, this means that programs like READ II are about more than textbooks and classrooms; they are about shaping the country’s future trajectory.

By prioritizing education as a central tool for development, U.S. aid has supported both economic opportunity and democratic resilience. In doing so, it has played a role in poverty reduction in Ethiopia, proving that literacy and stability go hand in hand. For Ethiopia and for U.S. policymakers alike, the lesson is clear: education is one of the most powerful political investments a nation can make.

– Alyse Rhee

Alyse is based in Winter Garden, FL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Ways USAID Programs in Mali Are Changing Lives

USAID Programs in MaliMali has a complicated relationship with recurring challenges such as climate crisis’ and conflict-driven violence. Whether it be due to the shocks of extreme heat and floods, or the violence from armed forces within different villages, USAID programs in Mali have benefited Malians greatly, with more than a third of the population being in need of humanitarian assistance.

U.S. assistance in Mali has allowed the pursuit for peace and stability; there have been major investments towards the healthcare system, agriculture, education and peacebuilding. Despite the recent cuts made to USAID’s funding, there are still efforts being made to retain relations between the states. USAID’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy for 2022-2026 represents the commitment towards providing humanitarian assistance while aligning with Mali’s national interests and plans. Thus, it is important to highlight the preexisting successes and the progress made due to USAID programs in Mali.

1. Boosting Food Security Through Feed the Future

In Mali, 1.6 million people or 6% of the population suffer due to acute food insecurity. USAID’s Feed the Future program in Mali makes an effort to improve the livelihoods of people improving food security and creates income and food opportunities for Malians, by boosting millet, rice and livestock production. Farmers gain access to improved seeds, livestock care and markets. Furthermore, these programs tackle malnutrition through prevention; investments into Mali’s agricultural systems will open economic opportunities for Malian people, who typically migrate away from the country for work, as there are newfound opportunities in their own nation. This program allows USAID to invest into Mali, allowing them to build themselves from the ground up and become self-sufficient to combat issues with malnutrition and food insecurity, and in the future, they will be able to thrive without foreign intervention.

2. Improving Health

In 2021, more than 60% of Mali’s deaths were due to communicable, maternal or perinatal and nutritional issues. However, this number should ultimately improve due to investments and more attention to the health care system and facilities.

Launched in 2020, and receiving a 16-month extension in 2024, USAID funded the Mali Health Systems Strengthening, Governance and Finance project (HSS) which had the goal of empowering Mali’s plan, management and financing of its own health care system. This project focused on multiple regional and national developments for the health care system, and has provided training for 26 health districts and more than 700 facilities. USAID supported them by also improving supply chain management, data monitoring and providing essential supervision for the improvements being made. By improving the governance of healthcare systems and management, it improves the health outcomes for the region and allows under-resourced regions to thrive on their own. Thus, once there is a transition of power, local organizations will be well equipped.

3. Strengthening Governance and Stability

Due to the challenges with civil conflict, there is often mistrust between local governments and communities. The USAID Mali Peacebuilding, Stabilization and Reconciliation (PSR) Program worked on building resilience of 43 communes so they could address violence and extremism. To build trust between the state and local communes, USAID approached it in a nuanced way to encourage multi-actor participation in commune decisions, the use of citizen voice and inclusive decision making. The PSR program’s training module on decentralization is in use for the national center for community training. Thus, there is more active collaboration between citizens and the state, creating more trust towards the government and improves state legitimacy. 

Looking Ahead

Overall, USAID programs in Mali have provided the funding and opportunities to improve nutrition, health and governance. The programs in place will ideally give Mali the strength and facilities to eventually become self-sufficient and no longer need the foreign intervention from USAID.

Through the Feed The Future program, it creates economic opportunities by creating jobs in agriculture, and it also provides the natural resources to feed the nation. The HSS program provides training and the facilities to allow the healthcare system to thrive. Finally, the PSR program works on improving relations between the government and civilians, which would reduce the mistrust of the government whilst incorporating the civic voice into governmental decisions.

Despite the hardships Mali has been facing, its GDP growth has been steadily increasing; estimates placed it at 4% in 2024 and part of its growth has been due to agriculture and services. USAID programs in Mali have undoubtedly provided several benefits to the country.

– Aaida Nuren

Aaida is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID Cuts

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid Amid USAID CutsIn early 2025, the new White House administration initiated sweeping changes to the United States (U.S.) foreign aid policy, placing a 90-day pause on all new obligations and disbursements from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This move, part of a broader effort to “reevaluate and realign” foreign assistance with American interests, has significantly reduced the federal government’s role in global development and has significantly decreased foreign assistance to countries across the world.

Concerns Over USAID Cuts

The administration’s budget proposal includes an $8.3 billion cut to foreign assistance, effectively dismantling large portions of USAID. These cuts have raised concerns among international development experts. Humanitarian organizations warn that the withdrawal of U.S. support could destabilize fragile economies and undo decades of progress in global health, education and poverty reduction. In the wake of these reductions, experts have noted that the following foundations are expanding global aid amid USAID cuts.

Private Foundations Expanding Global Aid

  • The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation, already one of the largest private funders of global health initiatives, has increased its investments in vaccine distribution, agricultural development and maternal health. The foundation is increasing its notoriety, as Microsoft Co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has set forth the largest philanthropic commitment in history, planning to raise $200 billion by 2045. The organization’s goals in global health and development aim to reduce health inequities by developing innovative tools and strategies to combat infectious diseases and leading causes of child mortality in developing countries. The organization, so far, has gained upwards of $8 billion in charitable support, with partners of the organization spanning 130 countries. 
  • The Rockefeller Foundation. Created by John D. Rockefeller in 1913, the Rockefeller Foundation has grown to be one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the U.S., investing more than $26 billion in philanthropic capital in the last century.  The organization’s three main areas of work globally are health, food and power.  The organization mostly aims to help people in the U.S., but also in areas such as Africa and Asia. By addressing health globally, the organization aims to increase health equity by centering on vulnerable communities, scaling cross-sector innovations, securing sustainable financing and aligning global partnerships and policies for lasting impact. For food prosperity, the Rockefeller Foundation supports innovative tools, smart policies and public procurement strategies that build a sustainable food system—one that values the environment, local economies and racial equity. The main sector the organization deals with is renewable energy and power. While working with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), the Rockefeller Foundation introduced renewable energy in more than 80 nations, mostly in Africa and Asia, where access to electricity remains limited.
  • Open Society Foundations. Founded by George Soros, the Open Society Foundations (OSF) is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, which has donated more than $32 billion to support its mission. In 2023 alone, it donated $1.7 billion in funding. OSF works worldwide to promote justice, human rights and democratic governance through various initiatives. Its philanthropic efforts extend across continents—including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the U.S. The foundation grants thousands of dollars each year to individuals and organizations that share its values, emphasizing long-term partnerships, quick-response funding during government crises and strategic litigation. 
  • The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a major philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing global foundations through grants and long-term partnerships. Founded in 1966 by Bill and Flora Hewlett, the foundation supports initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, gender equity and democratic governance across the world.  Globally, it funds efforts to combat climate change, expand access to reproductive health and empower women economically, particularly in East and West Africa and Mexico. Indeed, in 2024 alone, the organization awarded $148.6 million in grants to promote gender equity and governance in these regions. Evidence-informed policymaking through governance is one of its strategies for increasing gender equity and this empowers policymakers to effectively use data and evidence in meeting the needs of citizens through organizations that work with the foundation. The foundation invests in strengthening civil society and inclusive governance, aiming to build effective communities and institutions. 

Looking Ahead

These foundations expanding global aid continue to play a crucial role in supporting foreign assistance, especially during periods of uncertainty in public funding. Indeed, their growing influence highlights the increasing role of private foundations in driving global aid efforts. As current funding evaluations wrap up, the trajectory of foreign assistance remains unclear. In the meantime, global development initiatives look set to increasingly rely on the strength and commitment of the philanthropic sector.

– Dylan Fly

Dylan is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Can the Private Sector Replace USAID?

Private Sector Replace USAID?The USAID freeze has affected up to $40 billion in humanitarian and development aid worldwide. However, a combination of international donors, corporate responsibility initiatives and development finance investors is working to assist the vulnerable communities. Organized by the World Bank and development investors, initiatives like the International Development Association (IDA) have raised billions that can be used to assist countries affected by the USAID freeze.

Additionally, nonprofit investment funds like Acumen, which focuses on renewable energy in the developing world, can help mitigate the rippling effect of suspending the tens of billions awarded to international organizations on the ground fighting poverty.

The Scale of USAID’s Impact and Its Absence

Before the USAID cuts and freezes, the U.S. provided $64 billion of the $223 billion in international aid. These funds go to a network of governments, international organizations and on-the-ground partners. Roughly half of the $64 billion is administered through USAID. Most of this is distributed through local and international partners. The cuts are likely to force these partners to look for other donors.

USAID’s work has had measurable success: saving six million lives from malaria by 2017 and contributing to the elimination of wild poliovirus in 2020. However, despite those achievements, USAID is under threat. USAID efforts were initially frozen for 90 days starting in January, which was then extended another 30 days. Unfortunately, these cuts are here to stay, despite their devastating effects on communities worldwide.

Can the Private Sector Replace USAID?

Making the private sector replace USAID will be incredibly difficult. Rob Nabors, the North America director for the Gates Foundation, explained, “There is no foundation — or group of foundations — that can provide the funding, workforce capacity, expertise or leadership that the United States has historically provided to combat and control deadly diseases and address hunger and poverty around the world.”

Still, a coalition of governments, NGOs and development investors is working to step in. The IDA is a coalition of 175 countries that periodically evaluates budget priorities to help relieve poverty and assist developing countries in growing their economy. Fifty different countries currently operate as donors. Late last year, IDA donors helped secure $100 billion for the impoverished groups in developing countries.

IDA can assist in achieving many of the goals of USAID, like connecting hundreds of millions of people in Africa to reliable electricity. IDA’s model has also helped 35 countries graduate into developed countries that can act as donors, such as South Korea, highlighting what international aid can accomplish.

The Role of Philanthropy and Development Finance

Additionally, private organizations can help alleviate the harm from the recent cuts. One of the main issues is coordination and focusing funds where they can help the most. The Center for Global Development organization helps host Project Resource Optimization (PRO). Led by former USAID employees, PRO helps donors prioritize the most effective projects. Robert Rosenbaum, an independent consultant for PRO and former USAID staffer, notes, “Private philanthropy cannot replace bilateral aid, but it can lead the way in demonstrating what the future of development should look like: simpler, more transparent and relentlessly focused on results.”

Lastly, international finance can play a major role in replacing USAID. Investors like Nimrod Gerber, a managing partner at Vital Capital, see the freeze as a potential opportunity for a more effective and sustainable funding strategy for humanitarian projects. One of the main ways development investors could assist is by directing the hundreds of billions in African pension funds into projects that return on investment and improve the quality of life of people on the ground.

The Open Road Alliance (ORA) is a great example of this model. The ORA funds loans to organizations, both corporations and NGOs, in the developing world. These function as bridge loans to survive a sudden and unexpected funding crisis, like budget cuts. One of the projects the ORA funded was OnePower, which created electrical mini-grids in rural Lesotho. Not only did this provide increased health care access, but it also paid back its investors. Usually, investors get anywhere between a 2% and 4% return.

A Shift, Not a Replacement

Completely replacing USAID is not a reasonable goal. The ideal is for the U.S. to regain its place as the go-to coordinator and donor of international aid. However, this crisis has allowed many other governments, NGOs and financiers to create inventive ways to fill the gaps.

– Joseph Laughon

Joseph is based in Sacramento, CA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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USAID Programs in Armenia: Light in the Battle Against Poverty

USAID Programs in ArmeniaThe United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) programs in Armenia offer compelling examples of international collaboration producing visible results. There is genuine hope that these initiatives will help Armenia move closer to escaping poverty.

USAID programs in Armenia have evolved over the course of almost 30 years, moving from providing immediate humanitarian assistance to allowing inclusive, long-term development plans. At this point, USAID funds about 32 projects in all 10 Armenian regions, improving social services, economic opportunity and democratic institutions.

The Community Level Access to Social Services Project

One notable work is the Community Level Access to Social Services (CLASS) project. CLASS assists community social service providers in establishing accessible, inclusive support networks, especially for families facing financial difficulties and children with disabilities. These services help people achieve long-term stability and meet their immediate needs by connecting them to health care, education and employment opportunities.

The program fights poverty at its source while preserving each person’s dignity by promoting inclusive growth, strengthening community resilience and investing in sustainable local capacity for future generations.

The Armenia Support Initiative

USAID assisted the Armenian government during the 2023 humanitarian crisis brought on by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It provided $8.5 million to address housing needs and psychosocial support for displaced persons and refugees. These efforts safeguarded human welfare during the emergency by promptly ensuring that vulnerable populations received food, housing, medical assistance and emotional care. Beyond immediate relief, the aid supported long-term recovery by strengthening local service providers and reinforcing community resilience against future crises.

Another essential component of USAID’s work in Armenia is economic development. The organization has set lofty objectives to increase agricultural productivity, develop clean energy infrastructure and encourage innovation-driven entrepreneurship in its 2020–2025 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The goal of USAID programs in Armenia is to lessen rural poverty and foster economic resilience by assisting industries that generate long-term jobs and income growth. The strategy strengthens Armenia’s integration into global markets, supports small businesses and builds sustainable pathways for inclusive economic opportunity.

Rather than relying on short-term aid, USAID programs in Armenia emphasize sustainable solutions driven by local partnerships. One community at a time, this people-first strategy enables Armenians to create better futures.

Conclusion

USAID programs in Armenia are changing lives through practical, empowering and locally based interventions. From improving social services to supporting displaced populations and strengthening economic opportunities, these programs embody the best of what international development can be. 

– Kyra Cribbs

Kyra is based in Charleston, SC, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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USAID in Ghana: Cuts Could Undermine Progress

USAID in GhanaGhana is entering a critical crossroads. What began as a sudden freeze on U.S. foreign assistance has halted some of the country’s most vulnerable development areas, including health, education, agriculture and governance. With a projected $156 million funding gap, Ghana’s hard-won progress is in jeopardy.

USAID in Ghana

Until recently, USAID contributed about $150 million per year to Ghana. The organization funded efforts in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS and malaria treatment, education accountability and climate-smart agriculture programs through Feed the Future and other initiatives. Other key programs, such as the Strengthening Accountability in Ghana’s Education System (SAGES), have been suspended, putting the quality of education and support systems for thousands of students at risk.

The Resilience in Northern Ghana (RING II) Systems Strengthening Activity, a $21.9 million initiative being implemented (2022 to 2027), is one of the most severely impacted programs. This initiative aimed to improve nutrition, strengthen economic resilience and improve local governance systems in northern Ghana. It collaborated with 17 district assemblies to enhance health, education and social protection services delivery. Undoubtedly, the USAID has been a critical partner to Ghana for many years, enhancing the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians with these funds.

Widespread Effects Across Sectors

In Ghana’s fisheries sector, USAID-backed plans for the first Marine Protected Area were abruptly canceled. The cancellation imperiled local economies dependent on small pelagic fish like sardines, anchovies and mackerel, which make up about 60% of local fish landings and serve as a primary protein source for millions.

In agriculture, programs that provided seed, training, climate-smart methods and agribusiness support to rural farmers have stopped, jeopardizing food security in regions already suffering from poverty and climate shocks.

Governance initiatives such as the Performance Accountability Activity (PAA) have also been paused, weakening transparency and citizen participation at the district level. While Ghana’s “Ghana Beyond Aid” agenda gains momentum, the sudden withdrawal of U.S. support highlights the difficulty of fulfilling development goals in fragile systems dependent on international partnership.

Local and Multilateral Allies Step In

John Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has ordered urgent action. He has prompted the government to uncap the National Health Insurance Levy, raising GH¢4.2 billion ($300 million) to fill the USAID funding gap in health services. Some local and multilateral organizations have also stepped in to mitigate the impact. The African Development Bank (AfDB) and SEND Ghana have emerged as critical lifelines during this transition, leveraging financial power and policy advocacy.

In late 2023, the African Development Fund, the concessional arm of the AfDB, approved a $102.6 million budget support grant to Ghana’s Ministry of Finance. The funding stabilized public finances and supported critical health, agriculture and infrastructure sectors. Beyond emergency support, AfDB maintains an active project portfolio worth more than $800 million, financing 23 programs nationwide. By 2025, AfDB had committed to deepening investment in Ghana’s transport systems, private sector innovation and cybersecurity infrastructure, signaling a long-term vision beyond stopgap relief.

Meanwhile, SEND Ghana, a local nonprofit focusing on health equity and budget advocacy, has pressured Parliament to make pro-poor spending a national priority. SEND Ghana calls for the transparent use of revenue from the National Health Insurance Levy. It is pushing for those funds to plug gaps in maternal health, school feeding and public education left behind by USAID’s departure. By issuing regular policy briefs and engaging directly with lawmakers, SEND ensures the country’s most vulnerable citizens don’t fall through the cracks during this funding transition.

SEND Ghana applauded the government for uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL) and allocating about $8.8 million to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in the 2025 budget. The organization described it as a significant step toward sustainable health care financing. It also viewed it as progress toward transparent, inclusive and accountable governance.

Final Remarks

An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) noted that halting foreign aid weakens U.S. geopolitical influence and undercuts global security efforts. Foreign assistance isn’t charity, it’s strategic infrastructure.

– Dela Michel

Dela is based in Rockville, MD, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash