US funding cuts threaten 30 years of AIDS progress, UN warns

US Aid Cut Sparks Global HIV Fears

When the United Nations warned that the sudden withdrawal of American funding could undo decades of progress, the headline message was clear: an abrupt halt to PEPFAR could reverse a breakthrough in the fight against AIDS.

Key Figures at a Glance

• 31.6 million people were on antiretroviral drugs in 2024.
• AIDS‑related deaths fell to 630 000 in 2010.
• Funding cuts have shuttered prevention and treatment programmes.

Why the “Ticking Time Bomb” is a Real Threat

According to UNAIDS, permanent discontinuation of PEPFAR would result in more than six million new infections and 4.2 million AIDS‑related deaths over the next four years. This would bring the pandemic back to early‑2000s levels.

Impact on Women‑Led NGOs

Over 60 % of women‑led HIV organisations surveyed by UNAIDS lost funding or had to suspend services. In Nigeria, the number of people receiving PrEP fell by over 85 % in early 2025.

Research Lock‑Down

Major research programmes in South Africa, a country with one of the highest HIV rates, have also been shut down. Many scientists argue that the research conducted in low‑ and middle‑income countries serves the global community.

Moving Toward National Ownership

• 25 of 60 surveyed low‑and middle‑income countries found ways to offset the shortfall with domestic resources.
• UNAIDS urges debt relief and reform of international financial institutions to free up fiscal space for developing countries.

South Africa Calls the US Pullout a “Wake‑Up Call”

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told the report’s launch that “the global HIV response built from grassroots activism is resilient by its very nature.” He added that the withdrawal of US aid is a wake‑up call for governments to provide for their people.

Why the Investment is Still Worth It

Byanyima emphasized that the investments saved lives and continue to do so. “There is no question that the investment has been worth it, and continues to be worth it. It saves lives,” she said.

Bottom Line

With the world’s largest donor pulling the plug, the UN warns that a temporary funding gap could ignite a resurgence of HIV/AIDS infections worldwide. The call to action is clear: governments must step up national ownership, and the international community must reform financial institutions to sustain the gains made over the past decade.