The U.S. foreign aid agency shaping humanitarian relief and development
The Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo has intensified, with cases rising and deaths increasing. Health workers are striking over unpaid salaries, while international partners warn the official figures may undercount the true toll. Trials for treatments have begun, and vaccination efforts remain limited by the absence of a vaccine for this strain.
Funding for HIV programs has declined sharply, pressuring prevention and community health services while treatment remains more stable. US policy changes and broader donor pullbacks have led to thousands of clinic closures and tens of thousands of job losses, with warnings of longer-term risks to the epidemic.
Donor contributions to HIV programmes have declined, with the 2025 funding level the lowest since 2007. The US remains the largest donor but has reduced its support, while total resources for HIV response have fallen 18% across all sources. UNAIDS warns that declining funding could jeopardise gains in prevention and treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Uganda has declared the end of its 2026 Ebola outbreak after completing a 42‑day monitoring period. Twenty confirmed cases were recorded, 18 recovered and two deaths, with most cases linked to Congo’s outbreak. Authorities say there is no evidence of further transmission and the Bundibugyo strain remains without a vaccine or treatment.
The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola has reached unprecedented speed, with cases surpassing 4,000 and deaths above 2,000. Health workers face strikes over pay, security risks rise amid conflict, and aid cuts hinder response as experts warn the outbreak could escalate further.
The GAO has found that DOGE’s Wall of Receipts savings claims are not reliably supported by the data. Audits show many terminated contracts and leases were not actually terminated, and the methodology behind grant savings remains unverified. The watchdog report covers January 2025 to July 2026.
The Bundibugjo virus outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed over 2,000 lives in more than 4,300 documented cases. The disease, lacking approved vaccines or treatments, is spreading in remote communities amid conflict and cuts to international aid, threatening essential health services.
President has accelerated renovations at the White House, including a lavish ballroom and a secure underground bunker. Courts are weighing legality and process after demolitions, with debates over permanent fencing around Lafayette Park and a new visitor screening facility.
MSF and other aid groups warn that funding cuts are shrinking health responses in Sudan, forcing facility closures, longer patient journeys and rising disease outbreaks amid ongoing conflict. With 37% of facilities out of service and USAID funding ended, hundreds of thousands face reduced access to care as humanitarian needs escalate.
The Pentagon inspector general has released a report detailing the costs of the Iran war in lives, money and damage. The document covers April 1 to June 30 and shows damage to US bases across the region, hundreds of damaged aircraft, and thousands of drones and missiles shot down. It notes logistical challenges, evacuations, and large-scale defense spending, with figures including roughly $184 million in damage to diplomatic facilities and $33.4 billion in overall costs for the period.
The Pentagon inspector general has reported that Operation Epic Fury has cost $33.4 billion from 28 February to 30 June, including $22.3 billion on expended munitions. The report has found strategic inventory shortfalls, industrial bottlenecks for resupply, and millions in damage to aircraft, drones and diplomatic facilities.
Americares has announced a $50 million gift from an unidentified Connecticut family to strengthen its network of more than 4,000 health centers and push toward the goal of 100 million people gaining access to quality healthcare by 2030 amid ongoing U.S. aid cuts.
Nepal is facing a devastating flood crisis after a glacier collapse triggered floods along the Trishuli River. Authorities report thousands missing and reconstruction costs rising, as global leaders call for urgent climate action and international support to cope with mounting disaster risks.
Lindberg, the son-in-law of Senate Majority Leader John Thune, has been named undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the USDA and will head the World Food Program in Rome. The move comes as WFP faces funding shortfalls that limit its ability to reach millions in hunger crises.