Report says US actions harm global efforts to prevent and treat HIV

Key Points:

• The Trump administration’s disruptions to the global AIDS relief program PEPFAR led to clinic closures, staff layoffs, and service cuts across dozens of countries, severely hindering HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
• A survey of 166 organizations in 46 countries revealed that many experienced funding terminations or delays, resulting in the closure of over 1,700 service sites and loss of more than 16,000 full-time staff.
• Services for key populations most affected by HIV, such as sex workers, transgender people, and people who inject drugs, were disproportionately cut, with many organizations permanently ending targeted programs.
• HIV prevention efforts, including condom distribution and PrEP medication, were sharply reduced, with prevention spending dropping 51% from fiscal years 2024 to 2025.
• Despite official claims of program stability by the U.S. State Department, independent research found nearly two million fewer people receiving PEPFAR-supported HIV treatment in fiscal year 2025, raising concerns about the program’s stability and the urgent need to restore comprehensive HIV services.