US funding cuts deal blow to global HIV treatment: Report

A new report by HIV charity amfAR indicates that US funding cuts to PEPFAR have significantly impacted global HIV treatment and prevention efforts. The report, based on a survey of organizations in 46 countries, found widespread disruption, leading to the closure of over 1,700 clinics and the loss of more than 16,000 jobs. Consequently, about three-quarters of organizations reduced services for key populations at risk of HIV, and PEPFAR-supported treatment for children dropped by 14 percent in 2025. The US Department of State disputes these findings, asserting PEPFAR has strengthened under new strategic direction and that treatment data for a quarter of 2025 shows stability, though researchers argue this snapshot masks a larger decline when a full year's data is considered.

A new report presented at the International Aids Conference reveals that funding cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) by the Trump administration have caused widespread disruption globally. These cuts have led to thousands of staff layoffs and the closure of over 1,700 clinics and service sites in 46 countries. Organizations receiving funding have also been compelled to alter their programming to comply with new US policies, including those targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and reproductive rights. The report warns that these changes risk reversing significant progress made in the fight against HIV/Aids, which has been credited with saving over 26 million lives since its inception.