Who should have the most say in how aid is used: the countries giving the aid or the communities receiving it?

The use of International aid is critical to the health and survival of millions of people around the world. Those depending on aid for their survival should absolutely be involved in how it is distributed. When the USAID was closed by the US they didn't discuss it with any of the countries that were receiving the aid. Did you know that in just the first year after the closure of the USAID, there has been an estimated death count of over 600,000 people as a direct result? More importantly, more than two-thirds of them are children. This is due to the inability to access HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria treatments, as well as nutritional support. The USAID also funded the majority of U.S. humanitarian and development assistance worldwide. The cuts on the people are horrifying; at least 23 million children stand to lose education, and 95 million people are losing access to basic healthcare! The closure could potentially lead to over 3 million deaths per year that are preventable.

Interestingly, the US government believes they are helping reduce the deficit and improving government spending, however, I would argue that the Executive Office of the President (EOP) has gone a step too far. The office is putting lives in jeopardy by withholding such essential health, nutrition and humanitarian services. They are cutting costs that have zero effect on their own health for political gain, at the expense of so many others. 

While there are many Americans in support of this movement, arguing it reduced government spending, I doubt you could find anyone within the country needing the aid who would agree. Cutting aid is selfish from the point of view of those who could give it. Foreign aid actually only makes up a little over 1% of the US federal budget and even less of the GDP. On top of that, the cuts are not only affecting humanitarian aid, but also contributions to military defence, equipment and training to allied countries. The closure of USAID was far too hasty and is having worldwide implications that are growing by the minute. Countries in need should absolutely have a say in their future and determine how aid is given.