Congress gave money for global HIV work. The Trump administration isn't spending it
NPR • • health
Key Points:
- Dr. Caspian Chouraya, who oversees HIV/AIDS programs in 12 African countries for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, is facing funding uncertainties due to irregular U.S. aid disbursements, threatening the continuity of vital HIV/AIDS services.
- The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), credited with saving 26 million lives since 2003, is experiencing delays as the State Department transitions to a new global health aid strategy that shifts financial responsibility to recipient countries.
- Despite Congress appropriating nearly $6 billion for global HIV/AIDS efforts in 2026, the State Department has been withholding funds, causing NGOs to scale back or halt programs, leading to staff layoffs and service disruptions.
- Experts and insiders suggest the State Department is deliberately restricting funds to the CDC, which has historically managed much of the technical HIV/AIDS work, as part of a broader strategy to centralize control and reduce U.S. involvement.
- Legislators and global health advocates warn that these funding delays and policy shifts jeopardize the progress made against HIV/AIDS, risk workforce attrition, and could undermine the future of global HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programs.
