The US government’s decision to cut over 90% of its funding for HIV projects across Africa has sent shockwaves through the global health community. The move, which includes slashing $60bn (£48bn) of overseas aid spending, is expected to have devastating consequences, particularly in countries already struggling with high rates of HIV/AIDS.
The US Agency for International Development (USAid), a key development agency, will see its contracts terminated, while projects funded by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are also being affected. The cuts could lead to over 500,000 extra HIV-related deaths in South Africa alone over the next decade, according to modelling.
Organisations working with vulnerable populations, such as orphans, pregnant women, and sex workers, are facing significant challenges as a result of the funding cuts. The Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation has received termination notices for three projects, which provide HIV treatment to over 350,000 people in Lesotho, Eswatini, and Tanzania.
“This decision is a death sentence for mothers and children,” said Dr Lynne Mofenson, a senior adviser at the foundation. “We are facing a huge disaster.”
The cuts will also halt ongoing research into potential HIV vaccines and new prevention drugs, according to Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the University of Cape Town.
“This is not hyperbole to say that I predict a huge disaster,” Bekker said. “We are seeing a complete loss of funding for programmes working with key groups of people, including children, orphans, and young women.”
As scientists had hoped that recent breakthroughs in HIV prevention would bring an end to the disease, the US government’s decision is seen as a major setback.
“We need international cooperation and support to tackle this global health crisis,” said Kholi Buthelezi, national coordinator at Sisonke, a sex workers’ organisation. “The funding cuts are having a devastating impact on our ability to provide care and services.”
The US government’s move has sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals and policymakers, who warn that the consequences will be felt for years to come.
“This is not just about HIV – it’s about global health security,” said Dr Kate Rees, a public health medicine specialist at the Anova Health Institute. “We are seeing a complete disregard for the impact of these funding cuts on vulnerable populations and the healthcare system as a whole.”
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/feb/28/usaid-funding-health-development-hiv-aids-antiretroviral-mothers-lgbt-sex-workers-south-africa