By Bunmi Yekini
The British HIV Association (BHIVA) has expressed deep concern over the U.S. government’s sudden decision to freeze funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for 90 days. The organization welcomed the humanitarian waiver granted by U.S. Secretary of State but urged President Donald Trump to reconsider the executive order that halted foreign aid.
“We are saddened and confused at the announcement, without notice, by the U.S. to halt PEPFAR funding,” BHIVA stated. “This decision risks undoing years of progress in HIV prevention and treatment worldwide.”
PEPFAR, a Republican-led initiative launched in 2003, has been a cornerstone of global HIV/AIDS response, with the U.S. contributing 74.5% of international aid for HIV in 2023. The freeze has raised alarm among health professionals, particularly as it threatens the continuity of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for over 20 million people globally.
“The huge progress made in the last many years to reduce HIV incidence and HIV-related illness is now at significant risk, as are the jobs of the many healthcare professionals and researchers providing HIV prevention and treatment care funded by PEPFAR,” BHIVA warned.
President Trump previously committed to doubling the number of people on ART globally by 2020 and upheld support for PEPFAR during his last presidency. BHIVA called on him to maintain that commitment.
“Stopping PEPFAR’s work, even briefly, means jeopardizing many HIV prevention and treatment programs that have saved millions of lives,” the organization stressed.
BHIVA also urged international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNAIDS, and pharmaceutical companies, to collaborate in mitigating the impact of the funding freeze.
Lives in the Balance
Health advocates fear that any interruption in PEPFAR’s programs could lead to a resurgence in HIV-related illnesses and deaths. BHIVA’s statement underscored that the decision affects not only patients but also frontline healthcare workers and researchers dependent on U.S. funding.
“The lives of over 20 million people globally hang in the balance should the U.S. halt foreign aid pending review,” BHIVA cautioned.
The U.S. government has yet to provide a clear timeline for reassessing the aid freeze. Meanwhile, HIV organizations worldwide are mobilizing resources to prevent disruptions in treatment access.