The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to manage the federal government’s foreign assistance programs. USAID is an independent agency beholden to the guidance of the President, Secretary of State and the National Security Council. Each year, USAID distributes more than a combined $20 billion in funds, with the majority coming from the State Department. The majority of this funding is directed toward various health and humanitarian efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the region receiving nearly 39% of all money distributed.

The organization was designed to tackle poverty and promote economic development globally. However, USAID is not solely focused on economic development. The mission of USAID is to “promote and demonstrate democratic values abroad”, as well as “assist countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.” To accomplish this mission, USAID has an extensive network of offices, programs, and activities all over the world that promote prosperity and improve lives through the establishment of free enterprise, assistance in times of crisis, health, and assistance in developing countries’ democratic values.

USAID also works to deliver much needed food and other assistance during humanitarian crises. This includes traveling to areas to assess the impact of natural disasters, providing emergency humanitarian assistance such as food, water, and sanitation services, providing technical assistance to help these countries rebuild, and monitoring the progress of the recovery. USAID does this in part through its Famine Early Warning System Network, which tracks global food insecurity and helps countries plan for and respond to food crises.

USAID often works alongside other countries and international organizations, such as the World Bank, to provide assistance and guidance in developing countries. In addition, the organization has developed global partnerships with many private and public institutions to support innovative and impactful projects to alleviate poverty and create sustainable economic growth, health services, and educational and developmental opportunities.

In its almost six decades of existence, USAID has provided assistance to over 140 countries, representing over 80% of the world’s population. Through their work, USAID has improved lives and created a better global future for all people.