The United States has announced more than $1 billion in humanitarian and disaster response funding to UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), targeting life-saving assistance across more than 40 countries. The funding is tied to a new global aid model that Washington says is designed to speed up delivery and improve efficiency in emergency response systems.
Large funding package targets global emergencies
The State Department said the assistance includes more than $218 million for UNICEF and over $800 million for WFP, supporting food aid, nutrition services, healthcare, child protection, logistics, and water and sanitation programs.
The funding will be deployed across countries facing acute humanitarian needs, including Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Ukraine. It will also support rapid-response operations for sudden-onset disasters and ongoing complex emergencies.
“At a time when hunger is rising and humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, this investment will help WFP save lives and preserve hope for millions of people facing unimaginable hardship,” said Barron Segar, WFP USA President.
US authorities noted that the awards are structured to give implementing agencies faster access to funding and greater predictability in planning operations. In addition, the model consolidates humanitarian financing into larger global awards rather than smaller, fragmented grants.
The U.S. announced more than $1 billion in humanitarian and disaster response assistance to @UNICEF and the @WFP through new global macro awards, which cover life-saving support in more than 40 countries. This announcement builds directly on the tremendous success of the Trump…
— US Africa Media Hub (@AfricaMediaHub) June 17, 2026
Previously, the Trump administration cut support to relief organizations over claims of excessive overhead and corruption. The State Department said the new approach is intended to reduce administrative delays and allow agencies to mobilize resources more quickly in response to crises.
US links funding to broader UN reform agenda
US officials framed the announcement as part of a wider effort to reshape how international humanitarian aid is coordinated and delivered through the United Nations system.
The State Department said the new funding model builds on a 2025 memorandum of understanding with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). It noted that the agreement has contributed to changes aimed at improving coordination, accountability, and delivery efficiency across humanitarian operations.
The announcement highlights the continued central role of large-scale donor funding in sustaining global humanitarian operations. UNICEF and WFP remain two of the largest UN agencies responsible for delivering emergency assistance in conflict and disaster settings.
Despite grim odds, UNICEF and WFP have deepened their presence in conflict-torn regions. The WFP previously shut down its operations in Sudan after attacks on its aid convoy, while warning of worsening hunger levels in the Global South.
Meanwhile, the funding to both organizations comes as the US tops the global leaderboard for Ebola response, contributing over $162 million to health and relief organizations.