FLASH Update on USAID Humanitarian Award Terminations

April 7, 2025

Below are topline conclusions from data received on new USAID humanitarian assistance award terminations. The information included is from former/current USAID experts and partners. OneAID compiled the original list based on first-hand confirmation.

Key Points

• Over the weekend, at the direction of acting USAID Administrator, Jeremy Lewin, over $1.3 billion in life saving programs in some of the most dire humanitarian crises around the world were terminated. Countries impacted include:

1. Afghanistan ($561,800,000, impacting at least 15% of the population)

2. Gaza ($12,275,000)

3. Haiti ($5,980,000)

4. Jordan ($58,000,000)

5. Lebanon ($148,240,000)

6. Niger ($8,689,946)

7. Palau ($2,399,450)

8. Papua New Guinea ($6,000,000)

9. Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) ($1,600,000)

10. Somalia ($169,800,000)

11. Syria ($237,238,280)

12. Yemen ($106,546,500)

• The cuts run in opposition to Secretary Rubio’s Emergency Humanitarian Waiver to Foreign Assistance Pause from January 28, which clarified exemptions to President Trump’s January 24 Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid. In a February 18 declaration in the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) et al. vs. President Donald J. Trump et al. case, Peter Marocco, Director of Foreign Assistance at the Department of State reiterated the Administration's commitment to issuing waivers for life-saving humanitarian aid. These actions stand in direct opposition to the waivers and previous statements.

• All remaining USAID humanitarian assistance awards to partners working in Afghanistan have been terminated. The abrupt cessation of funding has the potential to harm local staff and partner organizations, who could face reprisals from the Taliban government, similar to those seen after regained control of the country in 2021. U.S. funding cuts for the WHO in Afghanistan have already caused 206 health facilities to close, leaving experts fearful of surges in malnutrition, measles, malaria and polio.

• In the Pacific Islands, the United States has built trust over the years through

  humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness programs, which has been critical to U.S. national security interests in the region. In the absence of this, countries may turn to China to fill the gap.

• The UN reported earlier this year that Somalia’s escalating crisis amid drought and conflict (including with terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS) could lead to 4.4 million people – nearly a quarter of the population – facing “crisis” levels of food insecurity between April and June 2025. Termination of WFP funding almost guarantees this estimate will increase.

• Cancellation of funding for Syria comes at a precarious time, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December and the ascension to power of Ahmed al-Sharaa. A positive relationship with Syria’s new ruler is critical to counter terrorism efforts against groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda Affiliate Hurras al-Din (HaD).

• After initial cuts to Yemen assistance last week, including Title II food assistance provided by WFP, the remaining nine awards were terminated this weekend as the final blow for USAID humanitarian assistance in the country.

• For Yemen–one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises–this could lead to

  famine. For years, the United Nations has emphasized that humanitarian aid, including U.S.-provided food, nutrition, and water support, has been the primary factor preventing famine in Yemen.

  • The aid suspension impacts the entire country, including substantial areas controlled by the Republic of Yemen Government, a key U.S. partner and the only actor on the ground capable of countering Houthi forces and presenting a viable alternative to Houthi control.

  • Beyond the devastating humanitarian impact, the cessation of aid in

    government-held regions carries significant political and security implications. It risks undermining U.S. policy objectives and weakening the effectiveness of the ongoing U.S. air campaign against the Houthis by deepening the economic crisis and further eroding the Yemen Government’s capacity to function as a credible alternative. This decision coincides with reports in local media that the government is preparing to launch a ground offensive against the Houthis.