Trump’s aid freeze could lead to millions of AIDS-related deaths, warns UN
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The United Nations has issued a stark warning that former US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend overseas funding could result in millions of additional deaths from AIDS.
Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, sounded the alarm, emphasising the devastating impact this move could have on global health.
Following his return to office in January, Trump ordered a three-month suspension of the majority of US foreign assistance, creating uncertainty for humanitarian programs worldwide. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the world’s largest provider of development aid, has been forced to put key programs on hold.
Among the suspended initiatives is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which supports over 20 million HIV patients and 270,000 health workers worldwide. While the administration later granted waivers for medication, the broader freeze has left many facilities struggling to function, especially in Africa.
UNAIDS estimates that if funding remains blocked, AIDS-related deaths could rise tenfold, reaching 6.3 million over the next five years. Additionally, new HIV infections could increase to 8.7 million during the same period.
Although the US has assured that life-saving treatments will be exempt, frontline workers report that many health centers have already shut down due to financial constraints.
Speaking at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Byanyima highlighted that many African nations rely heavily on foreign aid for their healthcare systems. She urged leaders to shift towards domestic revenue to sustain these programs but acknowledged that crippling national debts - some exceeding 50% of total revenue collections - make this transition difficult.
She stressed the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive debt restructuring, arguing that without it, many governments will not be able to invest adequately in health and education.
USAID, which was founded in 1961, operates with an annual budget of over $40 billion, funding development, health, and humanitarian efforts worldwide. The current aid freeze has raised fears that not just AIDS relief but several other crucial global programs could face severe setbacks if funding is not restored.