Proposed cuts to foreign aid could result in millions of HIV deaths, study estimates
Proposed cuts to global foreign aid,,,,, According to a new study, including cuts in the U.S., it could lead to millions of HIV deaths and a surge in global infection rates in the coming years.
The model study, published Wednesday in the Lancet Journal of HIV, estimates that by 2030, between 4.4 million and 10.8 million new HIV infections could be seen in low- and middle-income countries, with HIV-related deaths in children and adults ranging from 770,000 to 2.9 million. To estimate the impact, the authors studied 26 countries using foreign aid for HIV resources, including Albania, Cambodia, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Sri Lanka.
They noted that international funding is crucial to reducing the spread and death of HIV, with five countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the Netherlands providing more than 90% of international HIV funding, and the United States is by far the largest contributor. According to analysis by KFF, a non-partisan health policy organization, the United States promised $5.71 billion in 2023, accounting for about 73% of the total donation government funds.
But as of February, they reported that between 2025 and 2026, donor countries announced a 8% to 70%.
Trump administration Freeze foreign aid Expenditure, including funds HIV/AIDS ProgramShortly after taking office, the Ministry of Government Efficiency may Dogeis contradictory Major cuts.
“From a historical perspective USAID– Supported programs have undermined access to basic HIV services, including for antiretroviral therapy and HIV prevention and testing. ” said co-study author of the Burnett Institute in Australia in a press release.
The authors of the study said that ongoing disruptions could revoke decades of progress to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.
“Looking forward, decades of advances in treating and preventing HIV may be revealed if other donor countries reduce their funding. Sustainable financing and avoiding the rise of the HIV epidemic must be ensured, which can have devastating consequences, not just in Africa, such as the Sub-Saharan region, but globally.”
Pepfar, or the president’s AIDS relief emergency program, was launched under the leadership of then-George W. Bush, and has invested more than $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response over the years. According to the State Council, the plan saved 26 million people have been since the beginning – But Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a fund to cease Pause of foreign aid Earlier this year.
“PEPFAR is the greatest commitment of any country to address a disease in history, which is supported by bipartisan support from ten U.S. Congress and four presidential administrations and through the generosity of the American people,” said the government website HIV hiv. “Pepfar demonstrates the power possible through compassionate, cost-effective, responsible and transparent U.S. foreign aid.
Others have warned that the cuts could cause damage to those who rely on it. Earlier this week, UNAIDS Head Warnings are that without funds, millions will die and the global AIDS pandemic will resume.
“The U.S. hopes it is reasonable for the U.S. to reduce funds over time, but the sudden evacuation of lifesaving support is a devastating impact,” Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Unaids, told Geneva. “We urge reconsideration and emergency recovery services – lifesaving services.”
Contributed to this report.
