US Aid Freeze Threatens HIV Treatment Access in Africa

A 90-day suspension of US funding jeopardizes life-saving HIV programs, sparking fears of medication shortages and healthcare disruptions.

The US government has frozen HIV-related aid for 90 days, creating uncertainty for millions reliant on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in Africa.
Uganda, where 70% of the national HIV program's funding comes from US aid, faces potential medication shortages and clinic closures.
Healthcare workers funded by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are on unpaid leave, leaving patients without critical support.
Organizations like Doctors Without Borders report program shutdowns in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe due to funding gaps.
Experts warn the suspension could reverse years of progress in reducing HIV-related deaths and undermine global HIV research efforts.