UNAIDS says US funding cuts could cause 2,000 new HIV infections daily and over six million deaths in the next four years. The cuts have already shut down clinics and caused ARV shortages in Africa.
The US, the biggest funder of HIV programs, paused foreign aid under Donald Trump’s administration in January. Many USAID-backed HIV projects have since been terminated, leaving millions vulnerable.
UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima says the sudden cuts are a disaster, hitting women and girls the hardest. She fears a return to the 1990s crisis, when HIV treatment was scarce in poorer countries.
Byanyima thanked the US for its past support but urged them to reverse the cuts immediately, saying pulling out without a transition plan is costing lives.
With Europe also slashing aid, UNAIDS has no sign that other donors will fill the gap, leaving the future of HIV treatment uncertain.
(Source: BBC News)
