Lives Hang in the Balance as U.S. Government Freezes International Aid
February 10, 2025 /3BL/ - On January 20th, the new U.S. administration ordered an immediate freeze on U.S. international aid. While it may not have been the intention, the announcement has resulted in confusion and may put lives at risk.
Since approximately 30% of Action Against Hunger's global programs rely on U.S. government support, we are preparing for potential impacts. Uninterrupted funding is essential for us to deliver efficient, well-run programs and continuity of care for malnourished children, pregnant women, and families living in war zones, among others.
'We have extremely malnourished children who cannot have the treatment that they need. If the funding uncertainty continues, then many of these people will actually die,' said Dr. Charles E. Owubah, CEO of Action Against Hunger.
Any decrease in U.S. funding could cost lives, while taking a stand against global hunger has bipartisan support from most Americans across every region, income and education level, gender, race, and marital status. They may know that it is in America's best interest to fund impactful and independent nonprofit hunger programs, helping to create a more secure and prosperous world.
Watch Action Against Hunger's CEO Charles Owubah speaks on CNN's One World with Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga to discuss the foreign aid freeze here.
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
New Study Links Surge in Pediatric Firearm Deaths to Looser State Gun Laws
A major new study published June 9th in JAMA draws a stark line between firearm policy and pediatric deaths in the U.S. — and the findings are sobering and statistically significant. The research examined child and teen firearm mortality trends following the 2010 Supreme Court ruling McDonald v. Chicago, which expanded Second Amendment protections nationwide. While the ruling applied federally, individual states responded differently — some enacting looser gun laws in its wake, others maintaining or tightening restrictions. What followed, researchers say, was a divergence with life-and-death consequences. Here, Jeremy Samuel Faust, M.D., M.S., M.A., FACEP (of the Brigham & Women's Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine) explains the results: 'We found that the increase in pediatric firearm deaths since [McDonald] is large, but essentially isolated to states that expanded firearm access laws in the following years,' the authors wrote. 'In places that did not expand access (NY, CA, CT, etc.), rates have not gone up and in some places are down.' The numbers are stark. Over a 13-year period, there were approximately 7,400 more pediatric firearm deaths in so-called 'permissive' states than expected based on pre-McDonald trends — amounting to 573 additional deaths per year, all concentrated in states that rolled back gun restrictions. By contrast, in states that maintained stricter laws — such as New York, California, and Connecticut — rates of firearm death among youth either remained steady or declined slightly. The gap is most visible in the study's data visualization, below: 'The yellow and blue lines are the most permissive firearm law states,' the study noted. 'The gray line is the strict group of states. As you can see, no change in the strict places compared to pre-McDonald trends, but massive ones in the others.' Among the key findings: Homicides made up the majority of pediatric firearm deaths, but suicides also rose. The average age of victims was 14. In permissive states, Black youth experienced the highest initial rates and the steepest increases in firearm mortality. In strict states, however, Black youth did not see an uptick. States with strict gun laws — while still operating under the Second Amendment — avoided these increases entirely. While not part of this study, previous data underscores the broader context: Firearms are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1 to 19. But that risk isn't evenly distributed. In Massachusetts, for example, firearms rank sixth among causes of death in that age group. In Mississippi, they're number one. The bottom line: Gun laws matter — and when it comes to children, the difference in policies can be fatal. The post New Study Links Surge in Pediatric Firearm Deaths to Looser State Gun Laws appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
ACI Elevates Health and Hygiene with the launch of Cleaning for Health Initiative
New Cleaning for Health Initiative, underscores the importance of safeguarding health & promoting wellbeing Survey shows Americans recognize the connection between cleaning and health Learn more about the new Levels of Clean Guide WASHINGTON, June 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Cleaning Institute launched its new Cleaning for Health initiative, aimed at empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to put into practice smart, targeted cleaning strategies that not only maintain their health, but create healthier living environments. ACI's latest survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, revealed that 97% of Americans believe cleaning and hygiene are important for public health and the health of our communities. Additionally, three in four people (74%) have changed their cleaning habits to improve health - and the majority recognize the positive impact of cleaning on both physical (91%) and mental (84%) well-being. To kick off the launch of Cleaning for Health, ACI is introducing a new resource guide: "Levels of Clean." This free resource guide, backed by health and safety experts, provides helpful tips and information on the level of cleaning you should employ throughout your home based on factors such as the presence of viruses and sickness or a family member's susceptibility to illness or allergies. "At ACI, we know cleaning plays a critical role in everyday life, but how you approach it often shifts depending on life stage, seasonal routines, and personal health concerns," said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President of Communications and Outreach. "Cleaning is more than just a chore; it's one of the most important actions individuals and families can take to prevent the spread of common viruses and illnesses. The Cleaning for Health initiative builds on our commitment to being a trusted source for practical, science-based guidance that helps individuals and families make informed choices about their cleaning routines." "In my practice, I see the consequences of preventable illness every day - missed school, missed work and germs being passed from one family member to another," said Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, urgent care physician and health advocate. "I try to emphasize to my patients that small, consistent habits - like handwashing, surface disinfecting, and maintaining a clean home can play a powerful role in keeping individuals and families healthier." To learn more about Levels of Clean and how to stay safe and healthy, visit the new Cleaning for Health webpage at As part of Cleaning for Health, and for the third consecutive year, ACI is partnering with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to ensure individuals and families are equipped with the most up-to-date guidance on protecting themselves from illness. This collaboration builds on a suite of resources developed jointly by ACI and AAFP offering practical, accessible information for families seeking to use everyday cleaning as a tool to support better health. Topics include: Disinfecting Your Home. A guide on when and how to disinfect household surfaces to help stop the spread of germs. Preparing for Parenthood: Cleaning Your Home. Tips for parents of infants on how to keep a safe, clean environment during the early stages of development to help prevent illness. About the Survey The ACI Spring Cleaning Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research ( among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between February 10th and February 18th, 2025, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted to ensure an accurate representation of nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. About The American Cleaning Institute The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry. View source version on Contacts Jessica Ek – 202.662.2509 (office) 202.384.6896 (mobile) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
18 minutes ago
- Business Wire
ACI Elevates Health and Hygiene with the launch of Cleaning for Health Initiative
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Cleaning Institute launched its new Cleaning for Health initiative, aimed at empowering individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to put into practice smart, targeted cleaning strategies that not only maintain their health, but create healthier living environments. ACI is introducing a new resource guide: 'Levels of Clean.' This free resource guide, backed by health and safety experts, provides helpful tips and information on the level of cleaning you should employ throughout your home. Share ACI's latest survey, conducted by Wakefield Research, revealed that 97% of Americans believe cleaning and hygiene are important for public health and the health of our communities. Additionally, three in four people (74%) have changed their cleaning habits to improve health - and the majority recognize the positive impact of cleaning on both physical (91%) and mental (84%) well-being. To kick off the launch of Cleaning for Health, ACI is introducing a new resource guide: 'Levels of Clean.' This free resource guide, backed by health and safety experts, provides helpful tips and information on the level of cleaning you should employ throughout your home based on factors such as the presence of viruses and sickness or a family member's susceptibility to illness or allergies. 'At ACI, we know cleaning plays a critical role in everyday life, but how you approach it often shifts depending on life stage, seasonal routines, and personal health concerns,' said Brian Sansoni, ACI Senior Vice President of Communications and Outreach. 'Cleaning is more than just a chore; it's one of the most important actions individuals and families can take to prevent the spread of common viruses and illnesses. The Cleaning for Health initiative builds on our commitment to being a trusted source for practical, science-based guidance that helps individuals and families make informed choices about their cleaning routines.' "In my practice, I see the consequences of preventable illness every day - missed school, missed work and germs being passed from one family member to another,' said Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, urgent care physician and health advocate. 'I try to emphasize to my patients that small, consistent habits - like handwashing, surface disinfecting, and maintaining a clean home can play a powerful role in keeping individuals and families healthier." To learn more about Levels of Clean and how to stay safe and healthy, visit the new Cleaning for Health webpage at As part of Cleaning for Health, and for the third consecutive year, ACI is partnering with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) to ensure individuals and families are equipped with the most up-to-date guidance on protecting themselves from illness. This collaboration builds on a suite of resources developed jointly by ACI and AAFP offering practical, accessible information for families seeking to use everyday cleaning as a tool to support better health. Topics include: Disinfecting Your Home. A guide on when and how to disinfect household surfaces to help stop the spread of germs. Preparing for Parenthood: Cleaning Your Home. Tips for parents of infants on how to keep a safe, clean environment during the early stages of development to help prevent illness. About the Survey The ACI Spring Cleaning Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research ( among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between February 10th and February 18th, 2025, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted to ensure an accurate representation of nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.1 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample. About The American Cleaning Institute The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.
