5 Ways Global Humanitarian Aid Benefits the U.S.
Foreign aid increases global stability and supports American values. It also boosts the U.S. economy, prevents global disease outbreaks and empowers the next generation to help build a better world for all of us.
Children who are healthy, educated, protected and respected have the best chance of reaching their full potential and growing up to shape a more prosperous future for everyone.
But babies can't choose where they're born. For children affected by manmade and climate-related emergencies — and often multiple, overlapping crises — around the world, humanitarian aid can be the difference between life and death.
1. Foreign aid builds a safer, more stable world
About 473 million children — one in six globally — now live in conflict zones. By the end of 2023, 47.3 million children had been displaced by conflict and violence.
When families living in areas affected by war, famine and natural disasters receive the essential support they need when they need it most, they are empowered to rebuild their lives and communities, instead of being forced to abandon their homes in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere. That's why UNICEF works around the world to address the root causes that drive children and families to migrate.
And early investment pays off: every dollar invested early in high-risk humanitarian contexts saves an average of over $4 on the next emergency.
2. Stopping disease outbreaks protects children everywhere
Contagious diseases like Ebola, measles, mpox and polio do not recognize international borders. Humanitarian aid fuels the emergency response that prevents a local outbreak from spreading, and works to stop outbreaks before they occur by ensuring children receive their basic immunizations.
Every year, with support from governments, foundations, the private sector and individuals, UNICEF supplies vaccines to reach 45 percent of the world's children under 5 with protection from life-threatening diseases. Routine immunizations and strong health systems are the best way to prevent future pandemics, unnecessary deaths and suffering.
3. Strategic early investment in children's well-being is practical and cost-effective
The first 1,000 days of a child's life are a critical window of development — what happens during those early years has a profound effect on children's brain development, health, happiness and even the amount of money they'll go on to earn. Humanitarian aid invested early to support the health and well-being of young children gives them the best possible start in life, so they can grow up to become productive, resilient members of their community.
Research shows that children who receive early childhood development (ECD) services grow up to earn up to 25 percent more than their peers who did not receive the early interventions they needed. At least one year of free and compulsory early childhood education results in a 12 percent point improvement in primary school graduation rates in low- and middle-income countries. Practical assistance also benefits future generations: Girls who complete high school earn more, marry later and raise children who are healthier and better nourished.
4. Humanitarian aid contributes to the U.S. economy
More education typically leads to higher earning potential and greater opportunities for both individuals and their communities. Higher earners have more to spend, and stable countries build stable economies, creating markets for U.S. trade and providing new business opportunities for American investment abroad.
Foreign aid itself also provides reliable markets for American goods. Every year, the U.S. government buys up to $2.1 billion in food aid from American farmers. UNICEF and partners deliver essential supplies to children around the globe. The latest UNICEF Supply Annual Report shows UNICEF procurements resulted in $713.4M in revenue for U.S. companies in 2023 alone.
5. The protection of human rights reflects American values
The protection of fundamental human rights was a founding principal when the U.S. was established over 200 years ago. Since then, promoting respect for human rights has been a central goal of American foreign policy, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
UNICEF advocates for the rights of children in 190 countries and territories around the world. When children's basic needs are met — when they have enough to eat, a safe place to live and access to a quality education — they are less likely to be forcibly recruited by armed groups or pushed into child labor, early marriage or other negative coping mechanisms that violate their human rights.
UNICEF's interventions for the most vulnerable children protect their rights, reduce triggers for displacement and build resilience, making children less vulnerable to violent extremism, which is shaped by, among other things, geographic isolation, childhood experiences and lack of education.
Every child has the right to a safe and healthy childhood. Humanitarian aid helps fulfill that promise.
Right now, the lives of the most vulnerable children hang in the balance as conflicts and crises jeopardize the care and protection that they deserve. Dependable, uninterrupted and effective foreign aid is critical to the well-being of millions of children. Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to support ongoing U.S. investments in foreign assistance.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
