World News
Global humanitarian aid cuts leave 64 million fewer people supported, report finds
Humanitarian contributions fell 30% from 2022 levels as major donors slashed budgets, according to The Guardian.
The short version
- A major report indicates 64 million fewer people received humanitarian assistance in 2025 than the year before.[The Guardian]
- Global aid donations dropped by 30% between 2022 and 2025, falling from $47.5bn to an estimated $33.3bn as USAID cut funding by 55% and 13 other top donors reduced support.[The Guardian]
- Per-person funding fell to $90 in 2025 despite rising needs, while up to 23% of global humanitarian staff positions were eliminated.[The Guardian]
- In hard-hit countries like Yemen, reduced resources halted vaccination drives and worsened malnutrition amid continuing attacks on healthcare personnel.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- An estimated 64 million fewer people received humanitarian assistance in 2025 than in the previous year.[The Guardian]
- Total international aid contributions decreased by 30% from a peak of $47.5bn in 2022 to approximately $33.3bn in 2025.[The Guardian]
- Thirteen of the top 20 global donors reduced funding in 2025, including a 55% reduction by USAID.[The Guardian]
- Humanitarian staffing dropped by an estimated 23% during 2025.[The Guardian]
- Targeted funding per recipient dropped to $90 in 2025 from $178 in 2021, even as per-person needs rose to $255.[The Guardian]
- Funding cuts in Yemen led to suspended vaccination campaigns and rising diphtheria cases alongside deteriorating nutrition.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent of 2025 funding contractions and global staffing losses remains based on preliminary estimates.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.