Demonstrators protested on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in Washington, protesting against cuts in U.S. foreign aid spending, including the U.S. Agency for International Development and PEPFAR plans to combat HIV/AIDS. |Picture source: AP
Sudden disruptions in foreign aid and service delivery threaten the control of new HIV infections, HIV-related deaths, tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis B and C, and other such diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) (World Health Organization) said Friday (28 February 2025). It noted that investments in foreign aid in the global HIV response, such as the U.S. President’s AIDS Relief Emergency Plan (PEPFAR) and the AIDS Global AIDS Fund, Tuberculosis and Malaria Fund, are crucial to this success and contribute greatly to the elimination of hepatitis B and C and STI Control.
“This destruction will put millions at risk, especially those with HIV, critical and vulnerable populations,” the global organization noted. It added that there were reports on the closure of the health center, which provides prevention, testing and therapeutic interventions for key populations previously supported by U.S. funds.
“These disruptions have resulted in staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions and increased barriers, including gay and other men who have sex with men, sex workers, sex drugs, drugs, people in prison, and trans and gender-diverse individuals – vulnerable to infection and death, as well as increased stigma and discrimination.
It further added that these developments undermined the capacity of service providers to deliver the basis, and they recommended that all HIV patients should receive the same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve their health and prevent further transmission by achieving ongoing suppression of viral load; uninterrupted artistic opportunities should be provided to all populations, including key HIV populations; a person-centered approach should be implemented; and a non-judicial, non-discriminatory environment created to promote trust, encouraging consistent participation in care and supporting re-engagement of those who may withdraw from treatment.
WHO calls on all countries and health departments to mitigate the impact of service disruptions and says they must adopt long-term solutions, including sustainable domestic financing, to protect these important health services.
“This is crucial to maintain a downward trend in HIV incidence and mortality and towards the elimination of hepatitis and the trend towards sexually transmitted infections,” WHO said.
publishing – February 28, 2025 at 09:16 pm IST
