Funding Crisis and Global Impact
Executive Director warns of a potential sixfold increase in new HIV infections by 2029 if the halts its support for global AIDS programs, leading to millions of deaths and orphaned children.
The loss of US funding, which constitutes about 90% of external HIV program funding in some countries, has already resulted in layoffs of HIV workers and disrupted epidemic tracking in and .
Innovation and Economic Considerations
Byanyima highlights the critical timing of the US funding freeze with the introduction of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking HIV prevention tool developed by the American company , which could significantly reduce new infections.
She argues that international aid has facilitated American innovation in HIV prevention, suggesting that the funding freeze is economically misguided and appeals for a reconsideration, emphasizing the mutual benefits of continued support.