Trump administration halts foreign aid impacting HIV treatment programs

The Trump administration has halted foreign aid, impacting the PEPFAR program that has supported millions living with HIV for over 20 years. This freeze has caused confusion and disruptions in medication access, raising concerns about a potential rise in AIDS-related deaths. Health experts warn that without treatment, HIV can quickly rebound, leading to drug resistance and increased transmission risks. The halt has already resulted in layoffs of health workers in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, creating gaps in HIV care and support. The U.N. AIDS agency has begun tracking new infections since the aid freeze. Experts fear that the lack of treatment could lead to a resurgence of AIDS-related deaths and the emergence of more resistant strains of the virus.