International aid has been in the news recently due to aid budgets being cut, but what does that actually mean?

Here are 7 facts and statistics to help explain this complicated topic (some of which may surprise you). Learn more about what international aid really is, who it helps, how much is actually spent, and why we do it. 

Wars are increasing (and so is the need for aid) 

In 2023, there were 59 conflicts across the world (the highest since World War II). More wars and less diplomacy are contributing to 305.1 million people being in humanitarian need, and 123 million people forced to flee their homes. These numbers have risen steeply over the past few years. 

Kateryna stands in front of her apartment in Ukraine, which shows shelling damage
Kateryna Tomchenko's apartment was damaged by Russian shelling as a result of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Aid in the form of cash assistance means she can make essential repairs to the apartment and remain in her home

Aid plays a crucial role in both responding to crises and stabilising societies. There is mounting evidence for prioritising funding and investment before the worst happens and focusing on the prevention of crises, rather than just reaction. By investing in those countries most at risk of humanitarian disaster, we can help prevent many of the crises that are driving so much need currently. 

Using aid strategically, and before disaster strikes, will save both money and lives in the long term. 

Diseases have been eradicated globally thanks to aid

Aid spending has had huge success in improvements to global health. In the last 30 years, mortality rates for children under five have dropped by half. Infectious diseases, including smallpox and polio, have been effectively eradicated.  

Since 1980, polio vaccinations have almost eradicated this disease, with 99% reduction in cases.  Researchers estimate that 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed by polio. This has been helped in large part by coordinated global aid spending and is just one example of how foreign aid has had huge positive impacts on people’s lives around the world. 

We can reach more people, with better aid, at lower cost 

Research and innovation in the aid sector mean that we can reach more people with more effective solutions, at lower costs.  

A child in Chad sits in his mother's lap and eats a RUTF bar - an effective treatment for acute malnutrition.
A young child experiencing acute malnutrition receives treatment at an IRC health center in Mangalmé, Chad.
Photo: Timothy Nesmith for the IRC

One example of this is in the field of child malnutrition. 90% of children recover from malnutrition when using a simplified and more cost-effective method of diagnosis and treatment - a 20% reduction in cost as well as saving many lives. 

Read more about the IRC’s approach to malnutrition. 

Overseas aid is a fraction of government spending

Even if rich countries meet their legally binding aid targets, it’s a small fraction of government spending.  

Internationally agreed targets require governments to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) on overseas aid. This target is realistic and achievable, as shown by examples like the UK, which reached the 0.7% target every year from 2013 to 2020.

Furthermore, if rich countries were to meet their 0.7% targets consistently, the overall global aid budget would almost double in size, creating an addition $150 million for lifesaving malnutrition treatment, immunisation programs and disaster response. 

Tackling world hunger could cost less than Netflix  

A German-government backed study published in 2020 suggested that a 10-year plan to combat world hunger would cost governments an additional $14 billion per year over 10 years. That's a big number, but to put it into perspective, Netflix subscriptions led to $39 billion in global revenue for the company in 2024. 

The largest humanitarian crisis on record is happening right now 

After two years of violent conflict, Sudan is now the world's largest humanitarian crisis since records began. Without urgent action it could soon become the worst famine the world has seen in over 40 years. 

IRC consultant, Dr. Mogahed, works with a client and her child at an IRC medical clinic in Sudan.
IRC consultant, Dr. Mogahed, works with a client and her child at an IRC medical clinic in Sudan.
Photo: Noory Taha for the IRC

The IRC is on the ground in Sudan providing emergency aid, including nutrition and healthcare, as well as working in neighbouring countries to help Sudanese refugees fleeing the conflict. 

Learn more about the crisis in Sudan

Aid is under threat at a time of great need 

Millions of people are at risk as countries including the US, Germany and the UK pull back from funding some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. These are people who depend on humanitarian aid for the basics of survival. These programs are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent real lives and real futures.

 You can help

The IRC urgently needs support to maintain our critical programming. 

Support the IRC as we help people in crisis to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.

What is the IRC?

The International Rescue Committee helps people affected by humanitarian crises. For over 90 years, we’ve provided humanitarian aid and long-term support to people affected by conflict and disaster.