The United Nations (UN) has raised alarm over the potential surge in global HIV infections after the United States reduced its funding for HIV and AIDS programs worldwide. UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima, expressed concern that without U.S. support, the number of new HIV infections could nearly double, reversing the progress made in the fight against the disease.
The U.S. had been a key contributor to UNAIDS, funding over half of its $220 million budget for 2024. The cutback means that thousands of HIV-infected individuals will no longer receive essential medications, potentially leading to rapid virus transmission.
Byanyima warned that, without U.S. funding, there could be 8.7 million new infections and 6.3 million additional deaths over the next four years. She also urged U.S. President Donald Trump to reconsider the funding cuts and suggested that a deal with U.S. pharmaceutical company Gilead could provide a solution.
In 2023, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide, and 600,000 deaths from AIDS-related complications. Byanyima has called for immediate action to resume U.S. contributions, emphasizing the devastating consequences of the funding cuts.
