The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over the immediate funding pause for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries. This pause threatens to disrupt life-saving HIV therapy for over 30 million people worldwide, putting them at increased risk of illness and death.
The funding halt, which affects programs supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has the potential to undermine decades of progress in the fight against HIV. PEPFAR has been a cornerstone of the global HIV response, saving over 26 million lives and providing treatment to more than 20 million people living with HIV worldwide.
A prolonged funding pause could lead to a surge in new infections and deaths, reversing the significant progress made since the 1980s and 1990s. The WHO is urging the United States Government to enable additional exemptions to ensure the continued delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care.
The sudden stop to programs does not allow for a managed transition, putting the lives of millions at risk. The WHO is committed to supporting PEPFAR, other partners, and national governments in managing change processes effectively to minimize the impact on people living with HIV.
As the global community marks significant progress in the fight against HIV, the funding pause serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of these gains. The WHO is calling for urgent action to ensure that the progress made is not reversed, and that people living with HIV continue to receive the life-saving treatment they need.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
