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WHO raises alarm over HIV funding pause by Trump administration

It warned that a prolonged pause could send the world back to the eighties and nineties when millions died from HIV infections

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised an alarm over the decision by United States President Donald Trump to halt funding for HIV programs in low and middle-income countries.

The global health body has stated that over 30 million people worldwide will be affected by the halt hence putting their lives at risk.

WHO added that there may be a surge of new infections and deaths if the funding is stopped.

“We are sounding the alarm on the catastrophic consequences of a funding pause for HIV programmes. This is not just a matter of numbers; it’s a human crisis. Millions of people living with HIV will be at immediate risk of illness and death if we don’t act quickly,” WHO said.

It warned that a prolonged pause could send the world back to the eighties and nineties when millions died from HIV infections

“The thought of going back to those dark days is unacceptable; we can’t afford to let that happen.”

WHO added that over the past two decades, PEPFAR has saved more than 26 million lives but the current funding pause by Trump has put the lives of millions at risk.

“We are calling on the United States Government to enable additional exemptions to ensure the delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care.”

WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting PEPFAR and other partners, as well as national governments, in managing change processes effectively to minimize the impact on people living with HIV.

“We are working closely with our partners to find a solution to this crisis. We urge the international community to join us in prioritizing the needs of people living with HIV and to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian disaster.”

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PEPFAR, the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has been a flagship initiative of the global HIV response since its establishment over 20 years ago. PEPFAR works in over 50 countries, providing HIV treatment to over 20 million people, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.

The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the globe, Reuters reported.

According to reports by Reuters, contractors and partners who work with USAID began receiving such memos to stop work immediately.

The move is part of a wider 90-day freeze on US aid and funding put in place since Trump took office on January 20, while programmes are reviewed.

 

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