The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy since its creation in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy since its creation in 1961 by ‘President John F. Kennedy.’ Emerging from an effort to separate military and non-military assistance, USAID was tasked with distributing U.S. foreign aid in a more effective and targeted manner.
The Evolution of USAID
In the early years following World War II, the United States provided significant amounts of foreign aid to help rebuild war-torn countries. However, as the Vietnam War escalated, Congress began to question the effectiveness and accountability of the foreign aid program. In response, lawmakers refocused U.S. foreign aid efforts on specific issues such as ‘agriculture,’ family planning, and education.
The Role of USAID in Global Crises
Today, USAID plays a critical role in providing humanitarian assistance during global conflicts and other emergencies. The agency funds efforts to promote public health, improve education, and protect human rights, while also working to further U.S. interests abroad. In the 2023 fiscal year, ‘Ukraine‘ received the most USAID funding, followed by Ethiopia, Jordan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and Yemen.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a US government agency responsible for providing economic, development, and humanitarian assistance to countries worldwide.
Established in 1961, USAID works to address global challenges such as 'poverty,' hunger, and disease.
With a presence in over 100 countries, USAID implements programs focused on health, education, democracy, and economic growth.
The agency's mission is to invest in sustainable development that benefits both the US and partner countries.
Key Initiatives and Challenges

USAID has been working on a range of issues, including food security, climate change, and global health. The agency responds to an average of 75 humanitarian crises each year, providing support during ongoing emergencies in countries such as Haiti, Africa, and the Middle East. Experts have noted that preventing disease outbreaks and epidemics from reaching the U.S. is a key component of USAID‘s work.
Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
The main culprits are burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Rising temperatures lead to more frequent natural disasters, sea-level rise, and altered ecosystems.
According to NASA, the past four years have been the hottest on record globally.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that immediate action is necessary to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Global health refers to the well-being of individuals and populations worldwide.
It encompasses physical, mental, and social aspects of health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global health is influenced by factors such as poverty, education, environment, and healthcare systems.
In 2019, approximately 1 in 4 people globally suffered from mental health disorders.
The WHO also reports that nearly 3 million deaths annually are attributed to antimicrobial resistance.
Budget and Operations
In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID managed a roughly $40 billion budget, representing less than 1% of the total federal budget. The agency has over 10,000 employees, about two-thirds of whom work abroad. Projects funded by USAID are typically implemented by U.S. or foreign nongovernmental and international organizations, nonprofit and for-profit contractors, universities, or foreign governments.
The Future of USAID
The recent decision to freeze the agency’s activities is already having ramifications abroad. Work has stopped on the reconstruction of 10 flood-damaged police stations in Pakistan, and a project that secretly provides education to girls in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could shut down. The future of USAID remains uncertain, but its importance in addressing global crises and promoting U.S. interests abroad is clear.