New York, NY, April 18, 2025 —  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

WHAT: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) feature airs on CBS Sunday Morning highlighting the strategic and moral case for humanitarian aid ahead of the end of the Trump Administration’s foreign aid review period. The segment highlights what’s at risk as the United States, the world’s largest humanitarian donor, terminates the majority of its foreign aid budget, showcasing the difficult choices IRC staff in Afghanistan and Nigeria are facing on the ground and how these changes run counter to US values and interests. The interview includes exclusive access to IRC’s programs, clients and leadership. IRC leaders and humanitarians are available for interviews. B-roll is also available for use on request. 

WHO: IRC President and CEO David Miliband, CBS Senior Contributor Ted Koppel, IRC Afghanistan Country Director Sherine Ibrahim, Senior Program Manager-Health Outcome Dr. Okechi Ogueji, and a mother of a beneficiary in Nigeria: Maryam Mohammed, 35, a mother of six boys, had to escape her home due to the severe floodings in northeast Nigeria, last September. The loss of crops and subsequent food shortages caused by the floods have exacerbated malnutrition, especially among children. Maryam’s youngest son, 22-months, was admitted to Mashamari stabilization center last week for treatment for severe acute malnutrition, diarrhea and fever.   

WHEN: Sunday April 20th, expected to air between 9:00 and 10:30AM ET. Check your local CBS Station for air times.  

WHERE: Your Local CBS Station (You can find yours here), Paramount +, Youtube Instagram, Facebook, and X 

WHY: Over the Trump administration’s review period of foreign aid, IRC clients and humanitarians have seen the catastrophic consequences of the stop work orders. Children are suffering as food from hardworking American farmers sits idle in warehouses. Preventable tragedies, like deaths from treatable diseases, are occurring daily. Millions of IRC clients in crisis, poverty and conflict affected countries do not have access to essential services. Humanitarian needs globally are growing while the Trump administration has cut foreign aid and closed the door to refugee resettlement and the right to asylum in the U.S.

SEGMENT DETAILS: The segment showcases IRC’s lifesaving programs in Nigeria and Afghanistan, highlighting what is at risk and the communities paying the highest costs. In Nigeria, Ted virtually meets Dr. Ogueji, a doctor on the frontlines of IRC’s Stabilization Center in the Northwest of Nigeria and a Mother, Maryam Mohammed, on the stark reality as the critical lean season approaches. 70 children with severe acute malnutrition were admitted to the center in March; during the lean season, this number can go up to 250 children. 

In a CBS First, Sunday Morning travels to IRC primary outpatient clinics in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan as US funded programs have potentially weeks of being forcibly closed. IRC Afghanistan Country Director, Sherine Ibrahim comments on the devastating impacts on these communities, especially for women and girls. 

IRC President and CEO David Miliband concludes the segment with a 1:1 exclusive interview with Ted on the strategic and moral case for humanitarian aid as well as the future of humanitarian aid. 

CONTACT: James Sussman, Communications Officer, James.Sussman@rescue.org 

DONATE: At Rescue.org/CBS