US funding withdrawal might increase new infections: UNAIDS

ISTANBUL

The sudden withdrawal of US funding might lead to new infections, UNAIDS executive director said on Monday.

“We expect to see new infections rising. UNAIDS has estimated that we may be having 2,000 new infections every day,” said Winnie Byanyima during a press conference on impact of US funding cuts on the HIV response.

She warned that if the aid is not restored after the April pause and is not replaced by other funding, with no pledges from other governments to fill the gap, there could be 6.3 million more AIDS-related deaths and 87 million new infections over the next four years.

“You’re talking of losing the gains that we have made over the last 25 years,” Byanyima cautioned.

She said that with the US cuts, 27 African and Asian countries face disruptions in diagnostics and treatment, and the collapse of some evidence systems, also reiterating their trust in American leadership in global health.

“It is reasonable for the United States to want to reduce its funding over time, but the sudden withdrawal of life saving support is having a devastating impact across countries, particularly Africa, but even in Asia and Latin America,” Byanyima added, urging for a “reconsideration and an urgent restoration of services.”

She further acknowledged that some of the criticism regarding the strategy and approach was “valid,” seeing it as an opportunity to rethink and find more efficient ways to deliver life-saving support.

She pointed out that while European donors already contribute, efforts to engage more have faced challenges due to budget cuts, with no promises to fill the funding gap.

“We are looking at many scenarios of the future, a future that could include less or even no contribution from the United States. We can't assume it. We can't assume the contribution,” Byanyima further said.