Cuts in foreign aid could result in millions of HIV deaths by 2030: Study

Cuts in global foreign aid could lead to millions more HIV-related deaths and a sharp increase in infections by 2030, according to a new study published in the journal Lancet HIV Wednesday.

The reductions in funding could result in an additional 4.4 to 10.8 million HIV infections and 770,000 to 2.9 million HIV-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.

The authors studied 26 countries that rely on foreign aid for HIV resources, including Albania, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

International funding, with the US as the largest contributor, along with the UK, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, has been crucial in reducing HIV transmissions and deaths, accounting for about 90% of global HIV support.

Since taking office, the Trump administration has implemented several controversial health policies, including reducing disease prevention funding abroad and downplaying vaccination efforts.

Debra ten Brink, co-lead author of the study, said: "The United States has historically been the largest contributor to global efforts to treat and prevent HIV, but the current cuts to PEPFAR and USAID-supported programs have already disrupted access to essential HIV services including for antiretroviral therapy and HIV prevention and testing."

The authors warned that funding cuts could undo decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS by 2030 and disproportionately affect “sub-Saharan African countries and key and vulnerable populations.”

The study stressed the need for sustainable financing to prevent a global resurgence of the epidemic.