WHO raises alarm on HIV funding pause, says millions of lives at risk

According to WHO, the pause in funding has implications on programmes that provide access to life-saving HIV therapy to over 30 million people worldwide, has the potential to put millions of lives at risk. 

The health body says 39.9 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2023, and a funding halt could lead to a surge in new infections and deaths.

"We are sounding the alarm on the catastrophic consequences of a funding pause for HIV programmes," WHO said.

 "This is not just a matter of numbers; it's a human crisis. Millions of people living with HIV will be at immediate risk of illness and death if we don't act quickly."

WHO warned that a prolonged funding pause could reverse decades of progress in the fight against HIV, sending the world back to the 1980s and 1990s when millions died of HIV every year.

 "The thought of going back to those dark days is unacceptable; we can't afford to let that happen."

PEPFAR, the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has been a flagship initiative of the global HIV response since its establishment over 20 years ago. PEPFAR works in over 50 countries, providing HIV treatment to over 20 million people, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.

The global health body added that over the past two decades, PEPFAR has saved more than 26 million lives. However, the current funding pause has put the lives of millions at risk.  

 "We are calling on the United States Government to enable additional exemptions to ensure the delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care."

WHO reiterated its commitment to supporting PEPFAR and other partners, as well as national governments, in managing change processes effectively to minimize the impact on people living with HIV. 

"We are working closely with our partners to find a solution to this crisis. We urge the international community to join us in prioritizing the needs of people living with HIV and to take immediate action to prevent a humanitarian disaster."