What's happened
The Trump administration's cuts to USAID have drastically reduced foreign aid, impacting vulnerable populations in Nigeria. Over 90% of USAID contracts were slashed, leading to severe malnutrition among children in Borno state, where humanitarian programs are collapsing.
What's behind the headline?
Consequences of Funding Cuts
- Severe Malnutrition: The cuts have led to a significant increase in malnutrition cases among children, with estimates suggesting that 1 million children may not receive necessary treatment, resulting in 163,500 additional deaths annually.
- Impact on Local Programs: Organizations like Mercy Corps and Helen Keller Intl have had to terminate programs that were crucial for treating malnutrition, leaving many without support.
- Strain on Remaining Services: With the withdrawal of major aid organizations, remaining facilities, such as those run by UNICEF and Intersos, are overwhelmed, struggling to meet the needs of the population.
- Political Implications: The funding cuts reflect broader political decisions that prioritize domestic over international aid, raising questions about the U.S.'s role in global humanitarian efforts.
Future Outlook
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nigeria will likely worsen unless funding is restored or alternative sources of aid are found. The international community may need to step in to fill the gaps left by U.S. aid reductions.
What the papers say
According to AP News, the cuts have left communities in Nigeria's Borno state in dire straits, with Yagana Bulama, a local woman, expressing her despair over losing her children to malnutrition. The article highlights that 50% of therapeutic foods for malnourished children were previously funded by USAID, emphasizing the critical role of U.S. aid in global health initiatives. The Independent echoes these sentiments, noting that the cuts have led to a dramatic increase in malnutrition cases, with local organizations overwhelmed by demand. Both sources underline the urgent need for international support to address the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by these funding cuts.
How we got here
In 2025, the Trump administration cut more than 90% of USAID's foreign aid contracts, totaling $60 billion. This decision has severely affected humanitarian programs in regions like northeastern Nigeria, where many depend on international assistance for survival.
Go deeper
- What are the long-term effects of these funding cuts?
- How are local organizations coping with the crisis?
- What can be done to support affected communities?
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Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country located in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.