The changes began on 20 January when the US ordered a suspension of almost all foreign aid contracts for 90 days while it reviewed them. The suspension stopped many US-funded services around the world and led to the closure of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
Other countries also cut overseas aid to free money for defence and other priorities. As a result, health and humanitarian services struggled in many low- and middle-income countries. In northern Idlib a water and sanitation project stopped and many aid groups paused work. In parts of Africa patients faced shortages of HIV drugs and community programmes were close to collapse.
Difficult words
- suspension — temporary stopping of an activity or support
- contract — written agreement for work or servicescontracts
- review — examining something to decide or changereviewed
- closure — the act of closing a business or service
- humanitarian — connected to helping people in need
- sanitation — systems for clean water and waste removal
- shortage — lack of something people need to useshortages
- collapse — sudden failure or ending of something
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could a suspension of aid affect health services where you live?
- Why might governments decide to use aid money for defence and other priorities?
- What can aid groups do when a project is paused or stopped?
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