The proposed reduction of foreign assistance could lead to millions of HIV deaths, studies estimates
Proposed reduction of global side of help,, Including decreasing programs in the United States, it could lead to millions of deaths of HIV -ai increasing rates of infections around the world in the coming years, according to a new study.
Posted on Wednesday in Lancet HIV The magazine, modeling study, estimates that by 2030, there could be between 4.4 million and 10.8 million additional new HIV infections in low and medium-sized countries and 770,000 to 2.9 million deaths associated with HIV in children and adults. In order to assess the influences, the authors examined 26 countries that used foreign help for HIV resources, including Albania, Cambodia, Colombia, D’Avoire, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
They noted that international funding is key to reducing the transfer and death of HIV, and that five countries – USA, UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands – provide over 90% of HIV international funding and have been far now greatest associate. The United States in 2023 committed $ 5.71 billion, or about 73% of the total donor government financing, according to KFF analysisnon -partisan organization of health policy.
But since February, they report, the donor states announced a reduction in help between 8% and 70% between 2025 and 2026.
Trump administration Freeze the side of help spending, including financing for HIV/AIDS programsshortly after the assumption of duties and department for the effectiveness of the Government, or Dogehead head Great reductions.
“The United States has historically been the greatest contribution to global efforts to treat and prevent HIV, but the current reduction of Pepfar -ai USAID“The programs have already disrupted access to basic HIV services, including antiretroviral therapy and prevention and testing of HIV,” said author of Ko-Vivar Debra Ten Brink of the Burnet Institute in Australia.
The authors of the study said that permanent disorders could cancel the decade of progress to end HIV/AIDS as a threat to public health.
“Looking in advance, if other donor countries reduce funding, decades of progress for the treatment and prevention of HIV could be revealed. It is necessary to ensure sustainable financing and avoid restoring the HIV epidemic, which could have devastating consequences, not only in regions such as Subsahar Africa, but also globally, said Ten Brink.
Pepfar, or the presidential plan for an ambulance for AIDS assistance, was launched under then President George W. Bush 2003 and invested more than $ 100 billion in the global response to HIV/AIDS over the years. According to the State Department, the program saved lives 26 million people since it started – But her financing has stopped after State Secretary Marco Rubio ordered To stop by help earlier this year.
“Pepfar is the biggest obligation of any nation to deal with a disease in history, enabled by strong double -sided support at ten US Congresses and four Presidential Administration, as well as the generosity of the US people,” on the Government website Hiv.gov reads. “Pepfar shows the power of what is possible with a compassionate, profitable, responsibility and transparent American foreign assistance.
Others have already warned of the destruction that these cuts could bring to those who rely on it. Earlier this week, Unaids Chief They warned that millions would die without financing, and the global AIDS pandemic would reappear.
“It is reasonable that the United States wants to reduce funds over time, but the sudden withdrawal of rescue support has a devastating impact,” said the UNAIDS CEO of Winnie Byanyima reporters in Geneva. “We call for re -consideration and urgent renewal of services – rescue service.”
contributed to this report.
