The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns over the potential impact of the United States’ decision to pause funding for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
The funding halt follows former President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the US from WHO and the suspension of disbursements from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a key programme supporting HIV treatment in Africa and other developing nations.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, WHO stressed that PEPFAR provides life-saving therapy to over 30 million people worldwide. It warned that a prolonged funding stop could reverse decades of progress, leading to a resurgence of HIV-related deaths and new infections.
“PEPFAR works in over 50 countries and has saved more than 26 million lives over the past two decades. Currently, it provides HIV treatment to more than 20 million people, including 566,000 children under 15,” WHO said.
The organisation urged the US government to reconsider its decision, highlighting America’s long-standing role in global health security. It warned that without continued funding, millions of people could face disruptions in treatment, increasing their risk of severe illness and death.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners and national governments to manage the transition and minimise the impact on people living with HIV.
