Foreign aid cuts could increase HIV infections drastically

The recent pause on U.S. foreign aid funding, initiated by the Trump administration, could lead to a significant rise in HIV infections and deaths. The U.S. is a major donor, contributing 73% of international support for HIV in 2023. Five countries, including the U.S., the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, announced cuts to international HIV funding ranging from 8% to 70% for 2025 and 2026. This could result in a 24% overall reduction in global HIV spending. A new study estimates that these funding cuts could lead to an additional 10 million HIV infections and nearly 3 million deaths by 2030. If funding remains low and the U.S. halts its PEPFAR program, the impact could be dire, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Many vulnerable groups may be disproportionately affected, facing up to six times the increase in HIV infections compared to the general population. The cuts threaten decades of progress in managing HIV and AIDS, particularly in the regions most reliant on international aid.