ASHM, Health Equity Matters and the National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA) join our colleagues from around the world in expressing deep concern about the funding freeze and stop-work order for foreign aid from the United States. While a temporary waiver has since been announced to continue ‘life-saving humanitarian assistance’, which should include HIV treatment, the announcement demonstrates the vulnerability of the global HIV response.
The executive order could have life-threatening implications for people living with HIV around the world – particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Removing U.S. foreign aid funding would put individuals’ lives at risk, and threaten the significant progress we have made in the fight against HIV. Globally, the WHO estimates these programs provide access to life-saving HIV therapy for more than 30 million people worldwide.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest commitment by any country to address a single disease. It has saved 26 million lives and prevented millions of new HIV infections in over 50 countries. Currently, it provides lifesaving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment to more than 20 million people around the world, including more than 500,000 children under 15 years of age. If funding is ceased, these people’s access to treatment – and their lives – will be in jeopardy.
The global implications of this funding freeze will be devastating. We will continue to work closely alongside our partners in the region, and join calls from around the world for this vital funding to continue.
