Published inU.S. Agency for International Development·PinnedHonoring Local Humanitarians Who Make a Global ImpactOn World Humanitarian Day, we honor the steadfast commitment of aid workers — especially USAID’s local partners — who save lives, often at the risk of their own. — Twenty years ago today, a suicide bomber attacked the UN headquarters at the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq, killing 22 humanitarian aid workers and injuring more than 100 others. Five years later, the United Nations established August 19 as World Humanitarian Day to remember the fallen, honor the service and…Humanitarian7 min readHumanitarian7 min read
Published inU.S. Agency for International Development·Pinned5 Ways USAID is Preparing for Hurricane SeasonTim Callaghan, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean for USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, has led numerous hurricane responses for the Agency, including Hurricanes Iota and Eta in 2020 and Hurricane Dorian in 2019. He explains how USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance prepares year-round for Atlantic hurricane season. …Hurricane6 min readHurricane6 min read
Published inU.S. Agency for International Development·PinnedThe War in Ukraine: One Year Later, We Remain Committed to the Ukrainian PeopleOn February 24, 2022, Russian forces invaded Ukraine, causing widespread destruction and triggering a humanitarian crisis. A year after Putin’s unprovoked invasion, nearly 18 million people — about half of the people currently living in Ukraine — remain in need of aid. …Ukraine6 min readUkraine6 min read
Published inU.S. Agency for International Development·Feb 16Four Ways USAID is Responding to Earthquakes in Türkiye & SyriaOn February 6, life for millions of people across southern Türkiye and northern Syria changed in an instant as they were jolted from their sleep. At 4:17 A.M. that morning, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Gaziantep Province and was followed by thousands of powerful aftershocks, including a magnitude 7.5 earthquake…Türkiye5 min readTürkiye5 min read
Dec 9, 2022Making the Protection of Women and Girls Part of Everything We Do: A Conversation with USAID’s Sarah CharlesWhen disaster strikes, threats of violence and abuse facing women and girls multiply. We spoke with Sarah Charles, Assistant Administrator of USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), about how she became passionate about this issue and what USAID is doing to help. — Disasters don’t affect everyone equally. In the wake of catastrophe, women and girls are often the primary targets of growing violence, exploitation, and abuse. …Gender Equality6 min readGender Equality6 min read
Nov 10, 2022Following the Call to Serve AgainWhen U.S. Army General Jonathan Wainwright discharged his troops following the end of World War II, he encouraged them to “start being a leader as soon as you put on your civilian clothes.” Seeking a sense of purpose and mission is a common desire for military veterans when they leave the service. It’s not a surprise that many have found their way to USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. — On the surface level, it’s easy to view the military and humanitarian domains as polar opposites. The stereotypical images of camo-clad warriors and peaceful altruists paint a picture of two groups destined to clash.Veterans7 min readVeterans7 min read
Sep 13, 2022Three Ways USAID is Responding to Flooding in PakistanTorrential rains and glacial lake outbursts since mid-June have triggered devastating floods and landslides across Pakistan. This catastrophic event has now affected 33 million people, including nearly 1,400 lives lost. At its peak, flood waters submerged approximately one-third of the country, washed away crops, and destroyed or damaged more than…Pakistan4 min readPakistan4 min read
Aug 16, 2022Honoring Humanitarians Who Put Their Lives on the Line to Save OthersWherever natural disasters, violent conflicts, and other humanitarian crises tear societies apart and test the human spirit, aid workers are on the ground every hour of every day to save lives. Today, on World Humanitarian Day, USAID honors brave aid workers around the world as they serve people in need. — World Humanitarian Day4 min readWorld Humanitarian Day4 min read
Aug 15, 2022Three Ways USAID Has Continued to Support the People of AfghanistanOne year ago, on August 15, 2021, the world watched in horror as the Government of Afghanistan collapsed after an extensive military advance by the Taliban. …Afghanistan4 min readAfghanistan4 min read
Published inU.S. Agency for International Development·Aug 12, 2022Haiti Earthquake: One Year LaterOn August 14, 2021, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti, killing more than 2,200 people and leaving at least 600,000 in need of humanitarian assistance. …Haiti7 min readHaiti7 min read
