US Funding Freeze Threatens Global HIV Treatment Efforts

January 30, 2025

The recent funding freeze imposed by the United States government has raised concerns regarding the future of HIV treatment and care worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that this halt could lead to increased illness and death among those living with HIV. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has played important role in combating the HIV epidemic for over two decades. It has provided treatment and care to millions, and the current funding pause jeopardises these efforts.

Background of PEPFAR

PEPFAR was launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush.
It aims to provide HIV treatment, prevention, and care across the globe. As of 2024, PEPFAR supported over 20 million individuals in 55 countries, including 566,000 children.
It has been instrumental in reducing AIDS-related deaths from 2.1 million in 2004 to approximately 630,000 in 2023.

Impact of Funding Freeze

The funding freeze directly affects the availability of antiretroviral treatments.
WHO has emphasised that millions depend on the predictable supply of these medicines.
An abrupt halt could reverse progress made over the last two decades. Without adequate funding, many people living with HIV face severe health risks.

Global Health Leadership

The funding pause reflects a broader trend of the US stepping back from global health leadership. This includes the decision to withdraw from the WHO and reinstating the Mexico City Policy, which restricts funding for foreign organisations that provide abortion-related services. Critics argue that these actions undermine global health initiatives.

Transition Plans and Sustainability

In recent years, PEPFAR and WHO have been working on sustainability plans. The goal is to transition program ownership to national governments by 2030. This shift aims to reduce reliance on US funding. However, the sudden funding halt complicates these plans and threatens the health infrastructure in affected countries.

Call for Exemptions

In light of the funding freeze, WHO has called for exemptions to ensure the continuation of lifesaving HIV treatment and care. This includes the need for humanitarian waivers that would allow critical health services to continue despite the funding pause.

Future Implications

If the funding freeze persists, it could lead to a resurgence of HIV-related illnesses and deaths. The WHO warns that the situation could regress to the levels seen in the 1980s and 1990s. The implications extend beyond health, affecting economies and social structures in low and middle-income countries.

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