February 4, 2025
News
President Donald Trump’s decision to first suspend and then terminate the operations of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has sparked a wave of criticism and questions. This move endangers the lives of millions of people worldwide. What specific impacts does this decision have on those in need, and what consequences could the halt in foreign aid funding bring? Caritas Czech Republic, which has long been active in crisis areas, highlights the following key impacts of this decision.
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The disruption of aid will cause massive problems
Just hours after taking office, Donald Trump ordered a 90-day suspension of foreign development aid funding to review its "effectiveness and alignment with U.S. foreign policy". Earlier this week, the U.S. government decided to completely shut down USAID, the largest official provider of foreign aid from the United States.
"The United States is the world’s largest provider of foreign development aid. A complete halt or major reduction in foreign aid will therefore cause massive problems," says Jiří Škvor, Head of the Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation Department at Charity Czech Republic.
President Trump’s decision significantly affects people’s lives worldwide. Let’s look at five specific impacts.
1. A major reduction in healthcare for those in need
Projects focused on healthcare for mothers, newborns, and chronically ill individuals in developing countries are often funded through USAID. These projects form the backbone of healthcare services in areas where medical infrastructure is inadequate or entirely lacking. In crisis regions such as South Sudan or Haiti, they provide healthcare not only to local populations but also to refugees. Without these programmes, millions of people could lose access to medicines, vaccines, and basic care.
Programmes combating diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, or measles are also at risk. In Sudan, for example, where cholera and malaria kill thousands annually, the lack of medicine and vaccines could lead to even more deaths. The uncertainty surrounding funding has already caused aid disruptions, leaving those in need without help.
"The US president’s decision has caused panic among organisations, and there is widespread confusion about how to proceed. This uncertainty is likely to persist for a long time," warns Škvor.
2. Threats to children’s education
Children growing up in crisis areas face not only the loss of their homes but also barriers to education. Programmes supporting education in refugee camps often provide not only schooling but also school supplies and a safe learning environment. The suspension of funding could lead to school closures, depriving children of hope for a better future. In Syria, for example, these programmes have helped thousands of children continue their education despite the conflict.
Many organisations have already been forced to halt activities focused on education for girls and marginalised groups. In countries where girls face the risk of forced marriage, school attendance programmes have helped prevent this practice.
Additionally, numerous school meal programmes have been suspended—meals that often serve as the only nutritious food children from disadvantaged regions receive each day. Subsidised school lunches also contribute to higher attendance rates and better academic performance.
3. Loss of food self-sufficiency
Initially, the US administration claimed that the suspension of funding would not affect life-saving programmes such as food distribution in crisis areas. However, the decision to shut down USAID has created further uncertainty regarding the continuation of exemptions for these programmes.
In any case, the decision will impact programmes supporting farmers, agricultural infrastructure development, and long-term food security. This could have lasting negative effects on communities’ ability to sustain themselves. Without aid, these people will lose their self-sufficiency and resilience to both current and future crises.
Millions worldwide are already struggling with extreme drought and weather fluctuations that destroy crops and livelihoods. The climate crisis will only exacerbate these problems. Without support from humanitarian organisations helping farmers and communities adapt to changing climate conditions, the consequences could be catastrophic.
"For Caritas Czech Republic, livelihood support is a flagship initiative. This includes assistance for small-scale farmers to help them sustain themselves and their families amid significant climate changes," Škvor explains.
4. Impacts on refugee and vulnerable group integration
Organisations providing support to refugees and people in vulnerable situations have been severely affected by the funding suspension. Programmes offering essential services such as healthcare, legal assistance, and integration activities have been forced to scale back or shut down entirely. This also affects many Czech non-profit organisations.
As a result, refugees are left without necessary support in integrating into society.
5. A threat to stability in crisis regions
When people live in extreme poverty, uncertainty, or conflict zones, they often have no choice but to seek better conditions—whether by fleeing their country, joining anti-government movements, or resorting to desperate means to obtain basic necessities. However, when they receive the necessary aid—access to food, healthcare, or economic opportunities—the risk of forced migration, destabilisation, or violence decreases. Stable communities with secure basic needs are less susceptible to unrest, radicalisation, or economic collapse. Foreign aid is not just a matter of solidarity; it is also a preventive measure against larger crises with global consequences.
The suspension of foreign aid could therefore lead to the destabilisation of already fragile regions. In countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan, where millions rely on humanitarian assistance, the cessation of funding could significantly worsen the humanitarian situation, increase violence, and trigger mass migration.
Global uncertainty
Trump’s decision to freeze foreign aid for 90 days and then shut down USAID has sparked strong reactions worldwide. Numerous critical healthcare, education, and development initiatives have been suspended.
The international community is searching for alternative funding sources, but replacing tens of billions of dollars is no easy task. Critics warn that long-term aid reductions could lead to increased instability, migration, and the strengthening of authoritarian regimes in regions where US support has been crucial.
"The greatest risk I see is the uncertainty. While Caritas Czech Republic does not directly receive US funding, we are partners with several UN agencies. They are likely to be unsettled by this situation, delaying new contracts and slowing down grant announcements," says Jiří Škvor.
How you can help
The halt of US foreign aid will affect millions worldwide, but even small contributions can help mitigate the crisis. There are several ways to get involved—by spreading awareness, financially supporting organisations seeking new funding sources, or volunteering where help is needed.
"Non-profit organisations are generally considered effective partners that can deliver aid where it is needed, quickly and cost-effectively. And this applies not only to humanitarian aid but also to long-term development programmes," says Škvor.
Humanitarian organisations are now working to secure alternative funding to continue providing healthcare, food assistance, and education support. Every donation, big or small, helps sustain these life-saving programmes. If you want to contribute, follow verified organisations and their calls for support. Together, we can help those in danger.
