“My community, living here in the refugee camp, is already vulnerable,” Sahat Zia tells Lucy Hough. “I’m very concerned, especially for the children and the women.”
Sahat is a Rohingya activist and photographer based in Kutupalong refugee camp, Bangladesh. Hearing Donald Trump’s decision to cut USAid came as a shock to Sahat. US foreign assistance is a lifeline for the many thousands of people in the camp, providing access to food, education and healthcare.
The Guardian columnist and writer of the Long Wave newsletter, Nesrine Malik, explains to Lucy just how vast and varied USAid’s work has been over the decades – from providing disaster relief and the supply of medicines to democracy-building and the preservation of natural habitats.
The unexpected decision to immediately stop USAid’s operations has led to chaos across the world. Nesrine describes how Africa is the continent most exposed, with soup kitchens closed and HIV medication no longer available.
The Long Wave: Why Trump’s USAid freeze endangers millions
Support the Guardian today: theguardian.com/todayinfocuspod
