UN Warns US Funding Cuts Could Result in 4 Million AIDS Deaths

Recent warnings from the United Nations indicate that reductions in U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS initiatives could lead to catastrophic consequences, including the potential deaths of over 4 million individuals from AIDS by 2029. This alarming projection comes amid significant advancements in AIDS treatment and prevention efforts, which have seen global deaths from AIDS reach their lowest levels in over three decades.

The report highlights that without the restoration of funding, an additional 6 million people could contract HIV. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), established in 2003 under President George W. Bush, has been instrumental in providing essential support to countries severely affected by HIV/AIDS, with UNAIDS referring to the program as a crucial lifeline.

PEPFAR has facilitated HIV testing for more than 84 million individuals and provided treatment for over 20 million. In particular, it has financed nearly all HIV prevention medications in countries like Nigeria, underscoring its vital role in combating the epidemic.

However, in January, the U.S. government abruptly halted a planned $4 billion allocation for global HIV funding. This sudden cut followed the suspension of foreign aid by the Trump administration and the proposed closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The immediate repercussions of this funding withdrawal have been severe: numerous clinics have shut down, thousands of healthcare facilities are now understaffed, testing programs have come to a standstill, and many people living with HIV have lost access to essential care.

Experts have voiced concern over this drastic reduction in support. Tom Ellman from Doctors Without Borders stated that there are no measures to mitigate the impact of the U.S.'s abrupt withdrawal on these vulnerable nations.

Andrew Hill, an HIV researcher at the University of Liverpool, noted that while the U.S. government has the authority to modify its aid policies, a responsible approach would have included prior notification to allow affected countries to prepare accordingly.

In 2024, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, a significant decrease from the peak of 2 million deaths recorded in 2004. Nevertheless, progress has been inconsistent, with half of all new HIV infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNAIDS data.

The cessation of U.S. funding has also led to a loss of valuable data, as U.S. financial support was crucial for the majority of HIV tracking systems in Africa, many of which have now ceased collecting essential patient and hospital information. Dr. Chris Beyrer, an epidemiologist at Duke University, emphasized the difficulties that arise from the lack of reliable data on HIV transmission, which hampers efforts to control the epidemic.

Despite these challenges, there is some optimism in the field. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new injectable medication named Yeztugo, which has shown 100% effectiveness in preventing HIV in clinical trials. South Africa's health minister has expressed a commitment to ensuring that this new treatment reaches those most in need, particularly adolescent girls.

However, concerns remain regarding the affordability of the new drug for many nations. While Gilead, the drug's manufacturer, intends to provide lower-cost generic versions in 120 low-income countries with high HIV prevalence, many regions, including parts of Latin America, may be excluded from this initiative.

Peter Maybarduk, director of the nonprofit organization Public Citizen, lamented the missed opportunity to eradicate AIDS, highlighting that the U.S. withdrawal from its role in combating the epidemic represents a significant setback in efforts to address this global health crisis.