US launches $93m emergency food aid for Nigeria, others
The United States has unveiled a $93 million emergency food aid programme targeting 13 countries,12 of them in Africa, to combat worsening hunger and malnutrition.
According to the US Department of State, the initiative will supply ready-to-use therapeutic food to nearly one million children suffering from severe malnutrition.
The package includes 1,209 metric tons from existing stockpiles and funding to produce an additional 11,285 metric tons.
The US government said beneficiaries include Haiti, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, and Chad.
Speaking at a recent press briefing, Tommy Pigott, principal deputy spokesperson for the US State Department, said the assistance will also provide essential food commodities, targeted nutritional support, and emergency logistics.
“Today marks the first 200 days of the Trump Administration, and with it 200 days of delivering results and real wins for the American people. Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rubio, the United States is restoring strength, securing prosperity, and standing up for American interests on the world stage,” Pigott said.
“The United States is providing an additional $93 million to treat nearly 1 million children suffering from malnutrition with lifesaving, ready-to-use therapeutic food – RUTF – from and by American producers. This critical funding will help save lives in 13 countries … drawing down the entire prepositioned stock of RUTF and supporting continued production to meet ongoing needs.”
The announcement comes a month after the closure of the USAID under cost-cutting reforms by the Trump administration — a decision that drew criticism from former US leaders and global health experts.
Founded in 1961 under the late President John F. Kennedy, USAID has long served as the lead US agency for humanitarian and development aid, managing programmes in global health, education, agriculture, democracy promotion, and disaster relief in over 100 countries.
However, Trump has been outspoken in his criticism of the agency, arguing that its funding should be redirected to domestic priorities.
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