Helen Murphy

Helen Murphy

Helen is an award-winning journalist and Senior Editor at Devex, where she edits coverage on global development in the Americas. Based in Colombia, she previously covered war, politics, financial markets, and general news for Reuters, where she headed the bureau, and for Bloomberg in Colombia and Argentina, where she witnessed the financial meltdown. She started her career in London as a reporter for Euromoney Publications before moving to Hong Kong to work for a daily newspaper.

Latest Articles

Devex Newswire: Kenya braces for life after billions in US aid

Devex Newswire: Kenya braces for life after billions in US aid

2 days ago // Devex Newswire

Between 2020 and 2025, USAID committed roughly $2.5 billion to Kenya. Now that aid has shrunk and the strain is showing up in counties, clinics, and households. Plus, the latest from the IDB meetings and CSW conference.

Devex Newswire: At UN gathering on women’s rights, consensus trumps US power

Devex Newswire: At UN gathering on women’s rights, consensus trumps US power

4 days ago // Devex Newswire

At the U.N. conference on women’s rights, the Trump administration's effort to promote conservative "America First" values was unsuccessful. Plus, a look at Africa CDC’s new plan to swap debt for health spending.

Devex Newswire: NGOs brace for a long fight with Trump administration

Devex Newswire: NGOs brace for a long fight with Trump administration

9 days ago // Devex Newswire

Experts urge U.S. NGOs to invest more in coalition-building, investigations, and other “proactive ways of pushing back.” Plus, inside USAID’s messy closeout process and Sudan’s volunteer-run emergency groups.

Devex Newswire: US aid cuts gut South Africa’s HIV fight

Devex Newswire: US aid cuts gut South Africa’s HIV fight

11 days ago // Devex Newswire

The fight against HIV in South Africa is under severe strain; frontline health workers say the vital support system keeping HIV patients afloat is quickly deteriorating. Plus, DFC’s new mandate from Trump.

Devex Pro Insider: When philanthropy becomes the crisis

Devex Pro Insider: When philanthropy becomes the crisis

13 days ago // Devex Pro Insider

Philanthropy positions itself as the solution in times of crisis. But what happens when philanthropy becomes the crisis?

Devex Newswire: Gates-Epstein fallout shakes big philanthropy

Devex Newswire: Gates-Epstein fallout shakes big philanthropy

17 days ago // Devex Newswire

The Bill Gates-Jeffrey Epstein ties force an awkward reckoning inside global philanthropy on how wealth, power, and virtue are intertwined. Plus, NGOs in Gaza go to court over Israel’s demands for more information about their employees.

Devex Newswire: USAID exit leaves Colombia’s youth exposed

Devex Newswire: USAID exit leaves Colombia’s youth exposed

18 days ago // Devex Newswire

As gang violence fills the vacuum left by the shutdown of a USAID-funded youth resilience program in Quibdó, Colombia, we bring you the on-the-ground voices. Plus, The Global Fund’s country allocations get even more meager.

Devex Newswire: US State Department plans new disaster response bureau

Devex Newswire: US State Department plans new disaster response bureau

23 days ago // Devex Newswire

The proposed Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response will separate international relief from politically charged migration programs at the State Department. Plus, CEPI’s $2.5 billion ask, and lessons from Munich and Addis Ababa.

Devex Newswire: Taiwan bets on NGOs to boost global clout

Devex Newswire: Taiwan bets on NGOs to boost global clout

25 days ago // Devex Newswire

Taipei is planning to establish an international NGO hub to counter pressure from China and strengthen its international relationships. Plus, California, New York, and Illinois are partnering with the World Health Organization.

Devex Newswire: Defense spending surges as development budgets slide

Devex Newswire: Defense spending surges as development budgets slide

30 days ago // Devex Newswire

At the Munich Security Conference, development tries to stay relevant amid rising defense budgets; what role should multilateral development banks play in Venezuela; and the end of the road for the EAT Foundation.