The head of the UN program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) warns that a “ten-fold” increase in AIDS-related deaths is imminent due to recent cuts in US foreign funding.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie byanyima states that the impact of funding cuts is devastating, predicting a surge in the global AIDS pandemic will result in millions more deaths.
Around 600,000 AIDS-related deaths have been recorded worldwide as of 2023, she said, noting a 10-fold increase.
US President and Secretary of State have significantly cut foreign aid over the past two months, promising the “life-saving” program will continue under the State Department.
“It’s reasonable for the US to cut funds over time, but the sudden withdrawal of life-saving assistance has had a devastating effect,” byanyima said.
She urges “urgent recovery of services – life-saving services.”
Documents detailing the impact of the cuts on the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were provided to Congress, showing the closure of humanitarian programs worldwide.
The cuts appear to affect life-saving services such as maternal and baby health, including HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria prevention.
A federal judge recently ruled that the attempts to cut off USAID were unconstitutional, and another judge earlier this month concurred, with the President stating they may freeze foreign aid.
