Halting funding can spike HIV cases, WHO tells US govt

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the immediate pause in funding for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) programmes in low- and middle-income countries could lead to a surge in new infections and deaths.

The organization stressed that millions of people rely on programmes such as the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for life-saving HIV therapy, and any prolonged disruption could reverse decades of progress in the fight against the disease.

The new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, during his first week in office, put a halt to PEPFAR’s funding, sending shockwaves through global HIV/AIDS programs.

According to WHO, a funding halt for HIV programmes can put people living with HIV at an immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries.

The organization cautioned that without urgent action, the world could be taken back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died from HIV-related illnesses annually.

WHO further stressed the potential impact on scientific advancements, partnerships, and investments that have been crucial in HIV care.

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“For the global community, this could result in significant setbacks to progress in partnerships and investments in scientific advances that have been the cornerstone of good public health programming, including innovative diagnostics, affordable medicines, and community delivery models of HIV care,” the organization noted.

According to WHO, PEPFAR operates in more than 50 countries and has saved over 26 million lives. It currently provides HIV treatment to more than 20 million people worldwide, including 566,000 children under 15.

However, WHO warned that a sudden and prolonged funding stop could derail these efforts.

“A sudden and prolonged stop to programs does not allow for a managed transition and puts the lives of millions at risk,” the organization stated.

In light of these concerns, WHO urged the U.S. government to provide exemptions that would allow for the continued delivery of life-saving HIV treatment and care.

The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting PEPFAR, national governments, and other partners in managing this crisis to minimize harm to people living with HIV.