Funding Cuts Wreak Havoc on Global HIV/AIDS Efforts

Global funding cuts, primarily from the U.S., have significantly impacted HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Millions have lost access to medication, with new infections and deaths rising. UNAIDS highlights the urgent need for domestic financing to address the financial gap and maintain progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Significant funding cuts, notably from the United States, have severely impacted global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. According to a recent UNAIDS report, this reduction has resulted in millions losing access to crucial HIV medication and a rise in AIDS-related deaths.

The report highlights that the temporary halt of U.S. funding, the largest contributor to international HIV support, has thrown the global AIDS response into 'crisis mode.' Although some programs have resumed, the overall funding remains insufficient, threatening the 2030 targets to end AIDS as a public health threat.

UNAIDS is working with multiple countries to boost domestic financing, but significant challenges persist. The agency emphasizes the devastating impact of donor cuts on prevention services, with a stark decline in distribution of preventive medications and condoms across various countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)