Tag Archives: USAID

Lifestyle

Megabill Wrangling, State Of Democracy Poll, USAID Ends

Maravi Post Reporter

Republican leaders must find a fragile balance in the reconciliation bill between making deep cuts and protecting programs for the vulnerable. Also, an overwhelming majority of Americans say democracy is under serious threat, and USAID officially ends today.

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Lifestyle

United Nations says Nigerian children in need has doubled since aid cuts

Maravi Post Reporter

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been the backbone of humanitarian response in north-eastern Nigeria for many years.

It has helped non-government organisations provide food, shelter, and healthcare to millions of people.

But early this year, US President Donald Trump’s administration cut more than 90 per cent of USAID’s foreign aid contracts and $60 billion in overall global assistance, hitting programmes that serve the most vulnerable..

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that since then, the number of children in desperate need of assistance in Nigeria has doubled.

And it’s mother’s like Yagana Bulama, who have experienced the most unthinkable impact – the death of a child.

Cradling a malnourished baby, she said she has been entirely dependent on humanitarian aid. Eight months ago, she gave birth to twins.

“Unfortunately, both were diagnosed with malnutrition by the Mercy Corps Nutrition team and were enrolled in their Outpatient Therapeutic Program at Fulatari,” she said.

But after about three weeks of treatment, the programme was abruptly halted due to the stop work directive.

“As a result of the interruption in their care, my twins’ health deteriorated. Tragically, I lost one of them.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) remains a lifeline for Yagana’s surviving child, but it is severely overstretched.

It has had to turn back many others previously served by NGOs which have pulled out due to funding cuts.

Trond Jensen, the head of OCHA’s office in Nigeria, said the situation is dire.

“What we are seeing is that 50 per cent of the nutrition efforts that we have put in place are now gone. And 70 per cent of health support is under threat, if it hasn’t disappeared already.”

This means that the figures for children in need have doubled, but he said the organisation’s  capacity to deal with it “has halved or even worse”.

Jensen says immediate support is needed if they are to have any hope of saving the children.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/15/06/62/04/ED_PYR_1506624_20250516110711.mp4
Lifestyle

Billionaire Bill Gates to donate almost entire personal wealth by 2045

Maravi Post Reporter

Billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates pledged on Thursday to donate almost his entire fortune by 2045. The philantropist aims to give away around 200 billion dollars to the world’s poor via his foundation.

With a fortune today estimated at 108 billion dollars, Gates is among the richest people in the world. Although he was named richest man on earth by Forbes for several consecutive years until 2018, he is today the 13th richest person, according to the Forbes Billionaires List.

The announcement comes at a time when several governments and in particular the United States have significantly slashed funding for humanitarian aid. The cuts made to USAID, the US government agency for humanitarian aid, have endangered public health, education and social programmes in countries around the world.

In February 2025, Gates pointed out that his Foundation could not work miracles, but that “we’ll be showing that we’re doing the most we can”.

“The need of course, is far greater than what we can do. But we’ll be showing that we’re doing the most we can and give a lot of predictability to the field. By having this, we’ll be here all of those 20 years but not thereafter,” he said.

Gates announced that he would speed up his wealth donation process on the 25th anniversary of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Created with his then-wife in 2000, the foundation will close once it has spent 99% of his fortune, according to Gates.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/14/37/16/06/ED_PYR_1437166_20250508133654.mp4
Lifestyle

USAID Ruling, Ukraine On Trump Putin Agreement, Gaza Ceasefire Collapse

Maravi Post Reporter

A federal judge rules that President Trump’s administration likely violated the Constitution when it shut down USAID, but Trump vows to appeal. Hours after Trump and Putin announced a limited ceasefire, Russia and Ukraine launched new attacks, raising doubts about the deal. And Israel breaks the ceasefire with Hamas and resumes airstrikes on Gaza, killing hundreds of Palestinians.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Jane Greenhalgh, Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Alice Woelfle and Mohamad ElBardicy.
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Regional

Kenya: Police clash with refugees over food shortages

Maravi Post Reporter

At least four people have sustained gunshot wounds as Kenyan police clashed with protesters in Kakuma Refugee Camp over severe food and water shortages.

Camp residents say living conditions have sharply declined, with many struggling to access basic necessities.

The crisis comes in the wake of reduced humanitarian aid, following funding cuts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

A refugee from South Sudan who spoke to journalists lamented: “This is what they are using to measure beans and oil. Another one is for rice. And this is supposed to last a whole month. If you have no other source of income, is this enough?” he asked, highlighting the desperation among camp residents.

On Monday, the World Food Programme announced that it is closing its office in South Africa, citing ongoing cuts in foreign aid from the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration.

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The reduction in aid has not only led to severe food insecurity but has also contributed to rising tensions within the camp. Mama Kayembe, a Congolese refugee, voiced her frustration: “People blame Trump for everything. Workers are not being paid, hospitals have no medicine, and now we have to pay school fees. We are tired.”

Kakuma, home to nearly 200,000 refugees and asylum seekers from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been facing worsening humanitarian conditions following funding cuts to aid programs.

The crisis has been exacerbated by reduced support from international donors, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to the World Food Program (WFP), food rations in the camp have been at 45% of the minimum food basket due to resource constraints.

In a statement last December, the WFP acknowledged that it had been struggling to meet the needs of refugees, warning that funding shortfalls had significantly impacted its ability to provide adequate food assistance.

African leaders approve establishment of $20 billion stability fund

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p dir=”auto”>Source: Africafeeds.com
Source: Africa Feeds

Lifestyle

Zelenskyy Visits DC, Tate Brothers In Florida, USAID Standoff, AOC and DOJ

Maravi Post Reporter

The Ukrainian President is arriving in Washington to discuss a deal involving his country’s rare earth minerals, social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were charged with human trafficking in Romania and have now arrived in Florida, and the Supreme Court weighed in on a case involving frozen funds at USAID. Also, Rep. Ocasio-Cortez asks the Justice Department if she is under investigation.

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Lifestyle

Trump Administration Latest, USAID Ruling, Super Bowl Preview

Maravi Post Reporter

Federal judges temporarily block several Trump Administration moves aimed at reshaping the government. One order halts efforts to dramatically reduce the personnel of the U.S. Agency for International Development, but USAID is at a standstill. The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl on Sunday.

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Featured

USAID message on its website following trump’s suspension of the organization

Ufulu

On Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 pm (EST) all USAID direct hire personnel will be placed on administrative leave globally, with the exception of designated personnel responsible for mission-critical functions, core leadership and specially designated programs. Essential personnel expected to continue working will be informed by Agency leadership by Thursday, February 6, at 3:00pm (EST).

USAID
USAID announces administrative leave for all staff, Including in Malawi

For USAID personnel currently posted outside the United States, the Agency, in coordination with missions and the Department of State, is currently preparing a plan, in accordance with all applicable requirements and laws, under which the Agency would arrange and pay for return travel to the United States within 30 days and provide for the termination of PSC and ISC contracts that are not determined to be essential. The Agency will consider case-by-case exceptions and return travel extensions based on personal or family hardship, mobility or safety concerns, or other reasons. For example, the Agency will consider exceptions based on the timing of dependents’ school term, personal or familial medical needs, pregnancy, and other reasons. Further guidance on how to request an exception will be forthcoming.

Thank you for your service.

Regional

USAID announces administrative leave for all staff, Including in Malawi

Maravi Post Reporter

By Twink Jones Gadama

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that all staff will be placed on administrative leave starting February 7 (Friday), including in Malawi. The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the development community, with many wondering about the implications of this move.

According to a statement released by USAID, the administrative leave is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all staff. The agency has not provided further details on the reasons behind this decision, fueling speculation and concern among staff and partners.

The move is likely to have significant implications for USAID’s operations in Malawi, where the agency has been working to support development programs in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic development. USAID has been a key partner for the Malawi government, providing critical support for the country’s development efforts.

As news of the administrative leave spread, many in Malawi’s development community expressed concern about the potential impact on USAID’s programs and activities. “This is a surprise move, and we are not sure what it means for USAID’s programs in Malawi,” said one development expert, who wished to remain anonymous. “We hope that the agency will provide more information soon, so we can understand the implications of this decision.”

The administrative leave is also likely to affect USAID’s partnerships with local organizations and businesses. Many of these partnerships are critical to the success of USAID’s programs, and the sudden interruption of these partnerships could have significant consequences.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are watching with bated breath to see what will happen next. Will USAID provide more information on the reasons behind the administrative leave? How will the agency’s programs and activities be affected? And what will be the long-term implications of this move for USAID’s operations in Malawi and around the world?

Lifestyle

Deadline For Federal Workers, Reaction To Trump’s Gaza Plan, Future Of US Foreign Aid

Maravi Post Reporter

Federal workers must decide today whether to accept an offer to resign. After calling for the US to take over Gaza, President Trump has also promised an announcement about the West Bank, and humanitarian programs around the world are being shut down as most USAID workers have been put on leave.

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