Recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been in the news due to the resignation of a senior official following dissent within the agency over the Biden administration's support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, USAID has made headlines for resuming food aid to approximately one million refugees in Ethiopia after a suspension caused by large-scale diversions and theft of rations intended for millions of hungry people.
Established in 1961, USAID is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. With a budget exceeding $27 billion, USAID operates in over 100 countries worldwide, providing assistance in areas such as health, education, economic growth, democracy promotion, and humanitarian aid. The agency aims to support sustainable development, address global challenges, and promote American interests abroad through partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.