Foreign Aid Cuts Threaten to Reverse Decades of Progress Against HIV/AIDS

A new Lancet HIV study warns that reductions in international funding could lead to millions of additional infections and deaths by 2030, with sub-Saharan Africa and vulnerable populations at greatest risk.

The Lancet HIV study projects up to 10.8 million new HIV infections and 2.9 million deaths globally by 2030 due to a 24% reduction in international HIV funding by 2026.
Major donor countries, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and the Netherlands, have announced significant cuts to foreign aid, which together account for over 90% of global HIV funding.
The U.S., historically the largest contributor, has paused most foreign aid, including PEPFAR, disrupting essential HIV services such as antiretroviral therapy and prevention programs.
Sub-Saharan Africa and marginalized groups like sex workers, people who inject drugs, and men who have sex with men are expected to bear the brunt of the funding shortfall.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for sustainable, country-led financing strategies to prevent a resurgence of the epidemic and mitigate long-term setbacks in global health progress.

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