Report Calls for Urgent Overhaul of Humanitarian Aid System

LONDON, England — Civilians face dire conditions from Sudan to Gaza as hospitals suffer attacks and the humanitarian aid system struggles to keep pace, according to a recent Lancet medical journal report.

Dr. Paul Spiegel, a co-author of the report, stated, “The humanitarian system is no longer fit for purpose, given the types of emergencies that we have and their magnitude.” As a professor at Johns Hopkins University and co-chair of its Center for Humanitarian Health, Spiegel has over three decades of experience in refugee camps and conflict zones worldwide. He remarked, “We’re in a very dark time.”

Sudan’s devastating civil war has left millions in need, with hospitals shutting down and famine spreading. The expert panel behind the ‘Health in a World of Crises and Impunity’ report argues that while the world has the capability to save lives, the system is failing to deliver. The report criticizes some agencies for being overly bureaucratic and others for being too slow, calling for a systemic revamping.

The report also highlights the need for reform within the United Nations. Additionally, it critiques the Trump Administration’s closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) over suspected fraud and abuse. This restructuring involved integrating many of USAID’s critical programs into the State Department. Nevertheless, the report describes the closure as a “shock” and “sudden,” condemning it as part of a broader “political and moral failure” in the U.S. and beyond.

A truck carrying aid for the Gaza Strip is seen heading to the Kerem Shalom crossing on May 20, 2025. Dr. Spiegel emphasized the need for strategy in restructuring, “to make sure that vulnerable populations across the globe are not going to be hurt.” Properly conducted reforms should avoid negative impacts on these communities.

In calling for major global reforms, the authors advocate for overhauling funding approaches, directing aid to local communities, ensuring accountability if governments or armed groups obstruct aid, and recognizing healthcare as a fundamental human right.

“It’s really a complete rebalancing,” Spiegel stated, highlighting the importance of making sure the system effectively serves those it aims to help.

Alexis McAdams, a Fox News correspondent based in New York City, has been with the network since October 2021.