U.N. AIDS agency tracks new HIV infections after aid freeze disrupts treatment access

The U.N. AIDS agency is now tracking new HIV infections due to a freeze on foreign aid by the Trump administration. This disruption affects millions who rely on antiretroviral drugs to manage HIV, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of AIDS-related deaths. Without access to these medications, the virus can multiply quickly, leading to drug resistance and increased transmission risks. Health experts warn that stopping treatment can lead to AIDS within a few years, with the immune system becoming vulnerable to serious diseases. The aid freeze has already resulted in layoffs of health workers in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, creating gaps in HIV care. Experts fear that without immediate action, the progress made in fighting HIV could be reversed, leading to a rise in infections and deaths.