UNHCR funding cuts threaten Sudanese refugees' lives in Egypt

Drastic funding cuts at the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), triggered by the Trump administration, have halted critical health programs that previously assisted tens of thousands of Sudanese refugees in Egypt, according to the New Arab.

"The suspension of these services is devastating for refugees with health conditions," Fatma Aly Mohamed, a Sudanese refugee told the New Arab. "Without access to essential healthcare, many will face life-threatening consequences."

Mohamed's son, who suffers from epilepsy, relied on UNHCR-funded treatment. However, following Donald Trump's executive order on January 20—his first day in office—halting U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, funding for his treatment has disappeared.

The UNHCR received over 40% of its nearly $5 billion budget last year from the United States, the Associated Press reports. The pause in U.S. funding has severely impacted operations, forcing a cut of approximately $300 million in planned activities.

"Most people I know with medical conditions have had to stop treatment, making them vulnerable to slow and painful deaths," Mohamed added.

In Egypt, the suspension of UNHCR health programs is expected to affect around 20,000 refugees, particularly those fleeing violence in Sudan.

Since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war in April 2023, millions have been displaced, with Egypt receiving the largest influx—an estimated 1.5 million refugees, according to UNHCR.