WHO Warns of HIV Drug Shortages in 8 Countries Due to Cuts

HIV Treatment Supply Disrupted Due to U.S. Foreign Aid Pause, WHO Warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that the Trump administration’s decision to pause U.S. foreign aid has caused significant disruptions to the supply of HIV treatments in several countries. This decision could result in eight nations running out of life-saving HIV medications in the coming months. According to the WHO, the countries at risk include Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine.

A Looming Crisis: 20 Years of Progress at Risk

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concerns that these disruptions could reverse two decades of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He highlighted that if the situation continues, it could lead to more than 10 million new HIV cases and three million additional deaths. The ongoing pause in U.S. foreign aid, which began with President Donald Trump’s administration in January, has also impacted efforts to combat other diseases such as polio, malaria, and tuberculosis in many countries. These health challenges are now more difficult to address due to reduced financial support.

Measles and Other Health Programs Also Affected

In addition to the HIV treatment shortages, WHO has raised alarms about the potential shutdown of its Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network. With more than 700 sites worldwide, this network has been critical in tracking and combating measles outbreaks, including in the United States, where measles cases are on the rise. WHO emphasized the importance of maintaining global health programs and ensuring that countries are able to find alternative funding sources if U.S. aid continues to be withheld.

Impact on Afghanistan’s Health Services

Further compounding the situation, WHO reported that the aid cuts could force 80% of essential health services in Afghanistan to close. This is a major concern for the country’s healthcare system, as funding shortages have already led to the closure of 167 health facilities. Without urgent intervention, over 220 additional facilities could shut down by June. The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and cuts to its funding have made the situation even more dire, with the WHO being forced to freeze hiring and implement budget cuts.

Global Health at a Crossroads

The WHO has stated that the U.S. has a responsibility to ensure that any reduction in foreign aid is carried out in a manner that allows countries to secure alternative funding. The pause in foreign aid, combined with cuts to WHO funding, threatens to reverse years of global health progress and jeopardize efforts to control not only HIV but also other critical diseases like measles, tuberculosis, and malaria. African nations, in particular, stand to bear the brunt of these cuts, with widespread consequences for public health across the continent.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to African News for in-depth coverage of how international aid disruptions are affecting health systems globally.

Don’t miss out on the latest updates. Stay updated with Health & Wellness with The Sisters Show. Get all the details and never miss a beat!