Acting on behalf of the Trump Administration, Elon Musk, arguably the wealthiest technocrat in the world performed as a cruel and heartless Roman emperor in giving a thumbs down to the most vulnerable people in our global community. David Ignatius, an opinion writer for the Washington Post had his article on the “Inhumane treatment for humanitarians” published in the Sunday, February 23rd edition of the Paper. His perspective on the U.S. retreat from foreign aid was highlighted by the following facts gathered by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition:
- 11,500 Americans and 54,575 foreigners became unemployed
- Almost $1 billion in payments for work already completed has been frozen
- Approximately $500 million in food remains in ports, ships and warehouses
- Relief supplies for the 900,000 people struggling to survive in Syria has been suspended
- West African drug treatment for deadly tropical diseases has been terminated for 3.4 million people in 11 countries
- Life-saving drugs terminated for as many as 328,000 HIV-positive people in 25 countries
Author David Ignatius further demonstrated the personal impact of dismantling U.S.AID by citing a quote from Taylor Williamson, a 20-year public health veteran with experience in five African countries. He claimed, “In the space of a week, the entire infrastructure of foreign aid has vaporized. No drugs, no nets, no vaccines, no training for midwives. Nothing.”
The U.S. curtailment of foreign military expenditures has also jeopardized national security. These frozen measures coupled with the halting of needed global relief support has sacrificed the “soft power” and intelligence gathering that had come from the generous good will of the American people as demonstrated by U.S. Government foreign aid.
How Can You Help?
So, what can those of us who identify as humanitarians do to help relieve suffering and to provide support in this time of U.S. Government foreign aid abandonment. There still remains many Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and foundations providing valuable health, education, economic and environmental services to a wide variety of global communities in need. Embrace one or more of them! Consider where in the world to make a contribution. Identify a primary service interest. Find a nonprofit or foundation that supports it. Determine how to support one’s personal interest. Decide if it will be financial, in-kind or advocacy. Learn more about ways to engage on an action plan. Act on the choices made. Now is the time to commit and be counted among those who are making a positive difference to benefit our world community.
