The suspension of US aid to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a dire issue, severely impacting humanitarian efforts in Türkiye, Gaza, and Ukraine, according to the agency’s representative in Türkiye, Mariam A. Khan.
Speaking to Anadolu, Khan highlighted the devastating effects of the funding halt, noting that the US had historically been a key financial backer, covering nearly 50% of UNFPA’s global humanitarian aid.
She noted that in Gaza, where Israel’s 15-month-long military assault has devastated communities, UNFPA-supported services for around 50,000 pregnant women have now been put on hold. These emergency services were crucial in ensuring safe pregnancies and deliveries despite the ongoing crisis.
Similarly, in Ukraine, nearly three years into the Russian invasion, about 640,000 women and vulnerable individuals relied on UNFPA’s protection services, which have also been suspended due to the funding cut.
Khan stressed the urgency of the situation, calling it extremely dire for millions affected by war and disaster.
She also expressed gratitude to alternative donors, including Japan, South Korea, and Turkish companies, while urging more public and private partners to step in.
The suspension is particularly damaging for UNFPA’s efforts in Türkiye, where the US previously funded 60% of humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees and victims of the 2023 earthquakes.
The funding cuts coincide with efforts by US President Donald Trump’s administration to eliminate USAID, which finances global humanitarian programmes. Critics argue that unilaterally cutting off funding without congressional approval is illegal.
Despite the challenges, Khan said UNFPA headquarters is working to address the funding gap, emphasising the role of media in raising awareness to help sustain life-saving services.
