Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh Feeling the Impact of US International Aid Cuts

Picture: UNHCR/Roger Arnold | A view of the Kutupalong Extension refugee camp spanning over 3,000 acres in Cox’s Bazar, southern Bangladesh.

In an article by NPR, Shamim Chowdhury states that President Trump’s decisions have already started to impact several people around the world who depend on U.S. humanitarian assistance, including the Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh.

Last year, the U.S. contributed $301 million, or 55%, of all foreign aid for the Rohingya. But since Trump suspended most of USAID's overseas funding, this clinic and four others are offering emergency services only. The suspension is temporary, pending a 3-month review, and it doesn't affect food funding. Last week, a U.S. federal judge ordered a temporary lifting of the aid freeze, but the clinic we visited told us it hasn't resumed full services.

We meet Noorjajan (ph), her only name. She’s 58. Her tiny frame covered in sun-baked skin. She suffers from hypertension and can barely manage the 10-minute walk to the clinic. Before the funding freeze, doctors here would test her blood pressure daily and adjust her medication accordingly. But now she's told she can only be seen twice a week.