Helping people affected by disasters and other humanitarian emergencies is at the core of what USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) does every day, all over the world. It reflects our values as Americans, demonstrates our global leadership, and makes the world a safer place.

BHA leads and coordinates the U.S. Government’s disaster assistance efforts overseas. The Bureau responds to an average of 75 disasters in more than 70 countries every year, ensuring that aid reaches people affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes, as well as protracted crises, such as drought and conflict. We also support food insecure refugees fleeing war, violence, or persecution. 

BHA has several hundred staff working from its Washington, D.C., headquarters and in more than 45 countries around the world. Its team of humanitarian professionals, policy advisors, and technical experts—including infectious disease specialists, nutritionists, logisticians, and hydrometeorological advisors—identify the most urgent humanitarian needs and work alongside local governments to assist tens of millions of people and save countless lives.