U.N. warns of 6 million potential AIDS deaths due to HIV treatment disruptions

The U.N. AIDS agency warns that over 6 million AIDS-related deaths could occur in the next five years due to disruptions in HIV treatment caused by the Trump administration's foreign aid cuts. This situation threatens the progress made in managing HIV. Previously, the U.S. led a successful global response to HIV through programs like PEPFAR, which provided essential medications to millions. Now, confusion over funding and layoffs of health workers in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have created gaps in care and support. Without treatment, HIV can quickly multiply, leading to AIDS and increasing the risk of opportunistic diseases. The halt in medication access raises concerns about the potential resurgence of AIDS-related deaths and the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the virus.