The US withdrawal of funding from the UN initiative tackling the HIV/AIDS pandemic has sent shockwaves globally, threatening to undo decades of progress in combating the disease.
The Trump administration has terminated its funding for the joint United Nations program on HIV/AIDS, known as UNAIDS. This move is a devastating blow to the global fight against the disease.
The notice of US funding being cut off was issued by Peter Marocco, a Trump loyalist who is spearheading the evisceration of the US overseas aid program through USAID. Marocco stated that the funding was being terminated ‘for the convenience of the US government’ and for alignment with agency priorities and national interest.
The Trump administration’s funding freeze on foreign assistance has already wreaked havoc on HIV treatment programs worldwide. A new UN report reveals the impact of the cuts on 55 different countries. Before the funding freeze, the US government was responsible for two-thirds of all international financing for HIV prevention in low- and middle-income countries.
The Impact of Funding Cuts
The countries most heavily dependent on financial support from Washington for the fight against HIV/AIDS are among the most stricken parts of the planet. They include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, and Haiti. A study commissioned by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation estimates that up to 500,000 people could die in South Africa over the next decade as a result of the US funding cuts.
Africa is disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, with approximately 25.5 million people living with the virus on the continent.
According to UNAIDS, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for about two-thirds of all HIV infections worldwide.
The region's high rates of infection are attributed to various factors, including poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and cultural practices that increase transmission risks.
In some countries, such as South Africa and Botswana, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS exceeds 20% among adults aged 15-49.
South Africa has been severely affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an estimated 7.2 million people living with the virus as of 2020.
The country has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates globally, particularly among young women and girls.
According to UNAIDS, South Africa accounts for approximately 18% of all new HIV infections worldwide.
The epidemic's impact is exacerbated by socioeconomic factors, including poverty, inequality, and limited access to healthcare services.
A further half a million new infections might be recorded as a result of USAID grants being stopped to South African health groups. ‘We will see lives lost,’ said Linda-Gail Bekker, the foundation’s executive director.
Global Consequences
The cut in funds to UNAIDS will likely add to the devastation already caused by the funding freeze. The agency has received reports from 55 countries experiencing disruptions in their HIV responses due to the US foreign aid pause. ‘Any reduction could severely disrupt lifesaving prevention programs, risking new infections and reversing progress to end AIDS,’ said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS executive director.
The UN has reported the almost total collapse of services in Ivory Coast since the funding freeze began. US programs had brought life-saving help to 85% of the 265,000 people living with HIV in the country.
Côte d'Ivoire has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in West Africa.
According to UNAIDS, an estimated 720,000 people are living with HIV in the country.
The majority of new infections occur among young women and girls, who account for 63% of all new infections.
The government has implemented various programs to combat the epidemic, including antiretroviral treatment (ART) services and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs.
The Future of Global Health
The Trump administration‘s actions have far-reaching consequences for global health and security. The suspension of aid not only undermines efforts to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS but also opens the door for rival powers like China and Russia to expand their influence.
China‘s Belt and Road Initiative has already poured over $1 trillion into infrastructure projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Beijing’s investments bolster its strategic foothold in regions critical to US interests. By suspending aid, the US risks positioning itself as a less reliable and influential partner.
- theguardian.com | Trump administration ends funding for UN program fighting HIV/Aids
- betterworldcampaign.org | Impacts of the U.S. Foreign Aid Pause Better World Campaign
