UNICEF to Reduce Workforce and Travel Due to USAID Funding Cuts Under Trump

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced plans to cut its workforce and reduce travel as part of efforts to adjust to the reduction of USAID funding under the Trump administration.

Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, revealed this on Monday during an assessment visit to the organization’s ongoing projects at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, where repentant terrorists are being rehabilitated.

Fagninou explained that UNICEF is working closely with African governments to mitigate the effects of the funding cuts from the United States, stating, “We are seeking alternative funding sources and discussing measures with governments to fill the gap left by the reduction in US funding.”

To manage this, UNICEF is focusing on maximizing the efficiency of its resources. Fagninou noted, “As a precautionary measure, we are reducing travels and workforce to maintain efficiency in our operations.”

He acknowledged that the funding cuts from the US would affect UNICEF’s global programs but emphasized that mitigation strategies were in place to reduce the impact. “The effect is not as large as anticipated,” he added.

Fagninou’s visit to Maiduguri was primarily aimed at assessing the progress of UNICEF’s support to the state government and its humanitarian work. He stressed that despite the financial challenges, UNICEF would continue to provide essential services.

“We are here to support the government and communities, using UNICEF’s own funding and other resources. We ensure that we receive the minimum required to address the pressing needs on the ground,” he stated.

During his visit, Fagninou praised the efforts of UNICEF Borno in its ongoing health and education programs at the Hajj Camp, where former Boko Haram fighters and their families are undergoing rehabilitation.

“I’ve seen dedicated individuals working with minimal resources to support those in the camp. This is what’s most important,” he concluded.