Working in Crises and Conflict

  • See what USAID is doing to meet humanitarian needs in Nigeria and the Lake Chad region.

    Learn More
  • USAID marks milestone in providing humanitarian assistance

    Learn More
  • USAID is working with a wide variety of partners to respond to the humanitarian needs of the South Sudanese people.

    Learn More
Students present their sewing studio creations
Sewing Studio Opens Up New Opportunities For Youth In Niger
Artist performs at SAVE concert
Celebrating the Return of Peace in Nigeria’s Adamawa State
Young Filipinos Gain Access to Basic Education
Young Filipinos Gain Access to Basic Education

Every year, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters affect approximately 100 million people and cause more than $100 billion dollars in economic damage. Today, nearly 53 million people worldwide are in need of emergency food aid. And authoritarian leaders still govern nearly 50 countries, while the same number of countries are affected by conflict or potential instability.

Poverty and conflict are inextricably linked to authoritarianism and poor governance, with the consequences for citizens only worsening during times of crisis.

In 2016, conflict in South Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, and Ukraine left tens of millions in need of assistance while Syria entered the sixth year of a brutal civil war that has destroyed entire communities and affected far too many lives. Just as we have in these countries, USAID remains committed to responding to crises around the world, to help the people and places most in need.

With a focus on disaster prevention, response, recovery and transition, we are working to:

Providing humanitarian assistance in times of need is the fundamental reflection of our core American values.

Over the last year, we have:

  • Provided emergency assistance to tens of millions of people in 52 countries in response to 52 disasters.
  • Provided food assistance in the form of food, value transfers and vouchers to more than 53 million people in 47 countries.
  • Helped prevent conflict and mitigate the impact of unanticipated complex crises with targeted programs in five countries.