A UN report said that associations and NGOs in Morocco are among the most affected by the U.S. decision to suspend foreign aid provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) following President Donald Trump’s return to office.
The report, issued by the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), states that the suspension of USAID grants is a significant blow to NGOs in Morocco, as USAID is their primary donor.
Losing this support places social projects in danger, including those related to education, women’s empowerment, rural development, and health.
The report also outlines the negative impact of Trump’s decision on HIV/AIDS-related programs, particularly those run by local NGOs. It notes that initiatives backed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. effort in Morocco for over 15 years, are also at risk.
Health is a key area facing consequences, as USAID has been a key player in funding health prevention efforts, including responses to HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and vulnerable populations. The suspension of U.S. aid jeopardizes efforts to curb infectious diseases and vaccination campaigns.
The report further warns that the technical support provided by UNAIDS may be at risk, affecting programs funded by the Global Fund, and that the suspension could negatively impact programs aimed at migrants, refugees, and harm reduction initiatives led by the UNODC.
The decision to halt U.S. aid does not only affect NGOs but also government-backed projects supported by the UN system in Morocco. The UN Country Team has started internal consultations to assess the impact of this decision on UN programs in the country.
The report describes the effect on NGOs as creating a “financial void” that is difficult to fill. These organizations are now seeking alternative sources of financial support, but securing new international donors is a long and complex process. Finding an immediate replacement for U.S. funding remains a major challenge.
Among the programs at risk is the “Hawz Earthquake Response Program,” funded by USAID and implemented in partnership with UNICEF. This initiative, which aims to promote economic integration for women and youth through cooperatives and local enterprises, is now at risk of halting.
Programs targeting migrants, at-risk children, and youth facing educational challenges are also affected, as USAID previously funded vocational training initiatives to support youth economic integration.
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