The US helped successfully tackle Aids - now cuts put that at risk

Original Publication Date: July 10, 2025

The United States has played a pivotal role in the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helping to improve testing and treatment access, supporting research, and implementing preventative measures. However, recent budget cuts to the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by the current Republican administration threaten to reverse the progress made in the last two decades. Since its inception, PEPFAR has provided lifesaving antiretroviral treatment to more than 20 million people infected with HIV, preventing millions of premature deaths and enabling millions of children orphaned by the epidemic to remain alive and kept in school. Nevertheless, the Republican administration has proposed drastic funding reductions for HIV/AIDS programs, putting the lives of millions at risk and potentially undoing the progress made to control the virus. These funding cuts could result in fewer people being tested for HIV, less access to antiretroviral treatments, and an increase in HIV transmissions. The cuts would also have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations and communities of color, exacerbating existing health disparities and contributing to unequal access to healthcare. Experts and public health officials have voiced concerns that these budget cuts will result in a setback in the fight against HIV/AIDS, undoing the remarkable progress made through concerted efforts over the past few decades. They emphasize that protecting and strengthening international aid efforts, including PEPFAR, is essential to sustain the achievements in the global response to HIV/AIDS. The United States' leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS has been remarkable. Still, without adequate funding and commitment to supporting access to education, testing, and treatment, we may see a resurgence of the disease and increased stigma towards those living with HIV.