What's happened
2025 marks a critical year for global HIV efforts, with funding cuts from the US, UK, and others disrupting prevention, testing, and treatment services worldwide. Despite scientific advances like long-acting injectables, progress is threatened by economic and political setbacks, risking millions of new infections and deaths.
What's behind the headline?
The current crisis in HIV funding exposes the fragility of decades of progress. Despite breakthroughs like lenacapavir, a six-month injectable prevention treatment approved by WHO, the global response is hampered by economic and political setbacks. Funding cuts from the US, UK, and other donors have led to the suspension or reduction of vital programs, including PrEP and community outreach, especially in Africa. This not only risks a surge in new infections—potentially 3.3 million additional cases by 2030—but also threatens to undo gains in reducing mother-to-child transmission and eliminating vertical transmission in some countries. The political landscape, marked by increased criminalization of key populations and restrictions on civil society, further complicates efforts. The resilience of community-led organizations remains vital, but their capacity is strained. The next phase must focus on restoring funding, removing legal barriers, and integrating HIV services into primary health care to prevent a reversal of progress. Failure to act decisively will likely lead to a significant setback in ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
What the papers say
The articles from All Africa and Al Jazeera provide a comprehensive overview of the current funding crisis, emphasizing the impact of aid cuts from the US, UK, and other countries. All Africa highlights the sharp decline in international assistance, disruptions in prevention and treatment, and the rise in criminalization of key populations, with quotes from UNAIDS and WHO officials warning of a potential surge in infections. Al Jazeera underscores the political context, noting the US's historic aid cuts under Trump and their lasting effects, including deaths and service disruptions. Both sources agree that despite scientific advances like lenacapavir, the global HIV response is at a crossroads, with funding and legal barriers threatening to reverse decades of progress. The contrasting focus on political decisions versus community resilience illustrates the multifaceted nature of the crisis.
How we got here
The global HIV response has historically relied heavily on international aid, with significant progress made through funding and scientific innovation. However, in 2025, international assistance sharply declined due to economic pressures, political shifts, and aid cuts from major donors like the US and UK. These reductions have led to disruptions in essential services, including testing, treatment, and community-led programs, especially in high-burden regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Advances such as long-acting injectables and new prevention tools like lenacapavir have emerged, but their rollout is hampered by funding shortages and regulatory delays. The situation is compounded by increasing criminalization and restrictions on civil society, further undermining efforts to reach marginalized populations.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Are Funding Cuts Affecting Global Efforts to End HIV/AIDS?
Recent reductions in international aid from the UK, US, and Europe are threatening to undo decades of progress in fighting HIV/AIDS. These funding cuts are disrupting treatment programs, risking millions of lives, especially among vulnerable groups. Understanding the impact of these cuts and what actions are needed is crucial to sustaining global health efforts. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this urgent issue.
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Why Is International Aid for HIV Programs Declining?
Recent reports reveal a significant drop in global funding for HIV prevention and treatment. This decline raises concerns about how it will impact efforts to control the epidemic worldwide. Many wonder why aid is decreasing, what it means for vulnerable populations, and whether progress toward ending AIDS by 2030 is at risk. Below, we explore these critical questions and what they mean for the future of HIV response efforts.
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What’s Behind Today’s Major News Stories?
Today’s headlines cover a wide range of urgent issues, from immigration policies and economic confidence to global health and cultural landmarks. Curious about how these stories connect and what they mean for the bigger picture? Below, we explore the key questions shaping today’s news and provide clear insights into each topic.
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How Are Today’s Headlines Impacting US and Global Security?
Recent news stories highlight significant shifts in security policies, economic stability, and international aid. From new immigration measures in the US to global funding crises for HIV programs, these headlines raise important questions about the future of security worldwide. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for you and global stability.
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What Do Today’s Headlines Mean for Your Future?
Staying informed about the latest news can feel overwhelming, but understanding what these stories mean for your daily life and future is crucial. From political shifts to economic changes, each headline can impact you in ways you might not immediately see. Below, we explore some of the most pressing news stories today and answer common questions about their significance and what to watch for next.
More on these topics
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Winifred Byanyima, is a Ugandan aeronautical engineer, politician, and diplomat. She is the executive director of UNAIDS, effective November 2019.
Before that, from May 2013 until November 2019, she served as the executive director of Oxfam International.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Zimbabwe, officially the Republic of Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers, bordered by South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique.
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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, is the southernmost country in Africa. With over 59 million people, it is the world's 24th-most populous nation and covers an area of 1,221,037 square kilometres.
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Lenacapavir is an experimental drug for the treatment of HIV being developed by Gilead Sciences. As of 2021, it is in Phase 2/3 clinical trials.
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Gilead Sciences, Inc., is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California that researches, develops and commercializes drugs.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Uganda, officially the Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Nigeria, officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a sovereign country located in West Africa bordering Niger in the north, Chad in the northeast, Cameroon in the east, and Benin in the west.
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has been Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017. Tedros is the first African in the role, and was endorsed by the African Union. He play