An article by Aude Lecrubier, in Medscape reported that, "A study published in The Lancet HIV suggests that recent and anticipated international budget cuts may lead to 4.4 to 10.8 million new HIV infections by 2030 in low- and middle-income nations, along with 0.8 to 2.9 million HIV-related deaths within five years. At present, five countries account for more than 90% of global HIV funding: the United States (73%), the United Kingdom (9%), France (4%), Germany (3%), and the Netherlands (2%).The study noted that “the announced cuts represent a 4.4% reduction in total global international HIV funding in 2025 and a further 19.6% cut in 2026, a total reduction of 24%.” (Aude Lecrubier, "HIV Crisis Looms Amid Global Aid Cuts," Medscape, 8 April 2025.)
Sub-Saharan Africa at Greatest Risk
Sub-Saharan Africa and vulnerable populations, including people who inject drugs, sex workers, children, and men who have sex with men, are expected to face the most severe consequences of funding cuts.
“It appears that even with the most optimistic estimates there will be an almost 50% increase in numbers of new infections over the next 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa, but with a 127.3%-283.3% increase in new infections being perfectly plausible,” according to a commentary accompanying the study.
US Role in HIV Treatment Aid
Jean-Michel Molina, MD, PhD, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at the Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris, France, is quoted saying:
“Globally, 90% of the treatments used for pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP] are funded by the United States, particularly through the PEPFAR program. From what we understand, PrEP will only be funded for pregnant women. All other programs will be discontinued. This is catastrophic and raises concerns about the rapid resurgence of HIV incidence in several countries. Not to mention the challenges people living with HIV will face in accessing antiretroviral treatments,”
Read more here: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/hiv-crisis-looms-amid-global-aid-cuts-2025a10008eb?ecd=mkm_ret_250508_mscpmrk_idhiv_hivinfection_etid7409554&uac=258094PN&impID=7409554
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