GENEVA – The world could face a devastating health crisis, with over six million people at risk of dying from HIV and AIDS in the next four years if the U.S. halts funding for global treatment programs, the United Nations AIDS agency (UNAIDS) warned on Friday.
What’s Happening?
U.S. President Donald Trump recently froze hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid, affecting global programs. While HIV/AIDS programs received a waiver, experts fear major disruptions in treatment access.
💬 “There is a lot of confusion, especially in communities relying on this aid. Treatment services are already being affected,” said Christine Stegling, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
If the U.S. doesn’t reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—the world’s largest HIV/AIDS initiative—AIDS deaths could skyrocket by 400% between 2025 and 2029.
🆘 That’s 6.3 million lives lost due to funding cuts!
🚨 In Ethiopia alone, 5,000 public health workers lost their jobs because of U.S. aid disruptions.
🚑 Community clinics, which depend entirely on U.S. funds, are already struggling to provide life-saving treatment.
💔 Without proper funding, many HIV-positive individuals may stop seeking treatment, leading to more infections worldwide.
U.S. Funding: A Global Lifeline
The U.S. contributes the majority of global HIV/AIDS funding, supporting programs in 70 countries. These efforts aim to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
However, Trump’s administration is reassessing foreign aid programs to ensure they align with his “America First” policy—leaving millions of lives hanging in the balance.
What’s Next?
UNAIDS is calling on other countries to step up and fill the funding gap, warning that every dollar counts in the fight against AIDS.
⏳ The clock is ticking. Will the world act before it’s too late?
