UNAids Warns of Catastrophic Consequences from US HIV Aid Cuts

UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has issued a grave warning that recent US aid cuts could result in over 2,000 new HIV infections daily and an additional six million deaths over the next four years, reversing crucial progress made since 2004 in the fight against the disease.

UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has raised alarm over the devastating impact of recent US funding cuts to HIV programmes, warning that it could lead to an additional 2,000 new HIV infections each day and over six million deaths worldwide in the next four years. The cuts, part of a broader pause on foreign aid initiated by US President Donald Trump, threaten to undo significant progress made against HIV, where deaths have decreased from over two million in 2004 to 600,000 in 2023.

In her statement, Byanyima criticized the decision to halt foreign aid, highlighting the immediate adverse effects on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. She urged the US government to reverse the cuts, describing the toll it’s already taking on life-saving programmes, including the termination of various HIV treatment and prevention efforts funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

The funding pause has led to the abrupt shutdown of mother and baby clinics across Africa, heightening fears of a resurgence of infections reminiscent of the 1990s when access to HIV medication was scarce. Byanyima acknowledged the US has historically been the largest single contributor of Funds for HIV treatment and prevention, expressing gratitude for previous American support but stressing that the sudden withdrawal is catastrophic.

Despite appeals from various stakeholders, including the UN and health organizations, there appears to be no movement from Washington to alter its course. Traditional European donors are also considering funding cuts, leaving UNAids with growing concern over their capacity to fill the consequent void.

Byanyima shared a poignant story from Kenya, detailing how Juliana, a health worker funded by a halted US programme, lost her job and now faces challenges in accessing necessary treatment while caring for her child. The World Health Organization (WHO) has similarly warned that several countries could soon run out of essential HIV drugs due to funding suspensions.

The situation creates a dire outlook, as healthcare advocates like South Africa's Treatment Action Campaign underscore the need to avoid a regression to once unbearable conditions for HIV patients, who could again struggle to access essential care and treatment.

In response to the dire funding situation, Byanyima proposed a partnership with the US government, advocating the promotion of Lenacapavir, a new treatment developed by the US-based firm Gilead. Byanyima posits that such a collaboration could extend benefits to millions and generate economic returns for the US.

Meanwhile, other UN agencies are bracing for similar funding challenges, with reports of potential job losses and service cuts, thereby amplifying the urgent need for sustained international funding to combat not just HIV, but broader health and humanitarian crises worldwide.