The implementation in February of the suspension of American aid worldwide is hitting Afghanistan − one of the poorest countries in the world − especially hard. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 206 health centers have already been forced to close across the entire country, which is under the control of fundamentalist Taliban ostracized by the international community.

The WHO indicates that this situation affects 1.84 million people in 28 of the country's 34 provinces. This decision has led to "an escalating humanitarian crisis," according to the international organization. Nearly 220 more health facilities could be closed in the coming weeks if no action is taken.

Upon taking office in January, President Donald Trump announced the immediate freeze of all American foreign aid, including more than $40 billion (€36.5 billion) associated with international projects led by USAID, the United States Agency for International Development.

Afghanistan was the third-largest beneficiary of this funding. Since February, more than 80% of USAID programs have been canceled. While the country faces a resurgence of measles, malaria, and polio epidemics, the reduction of American aid has also put an end to vaccination campaigns.

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