Trump’s Aid Freeze Threatens HIV Treatment Supply in Eight Countries—WHO Warns of ‘Catastrophic’ Setback

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Trump administration’s decision to halt U.S. foreign aid has severely disrupted HIV treatment supplies in Nigeria and seven other countries, putting millions of lives at risk.

HIV Crisis Looms as Supplies Dwindle

According to WHO, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine could run out of life-saving HIV medications in the coming months. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that the disruptions could reverse two decades of progress in combating the virus, potentially leading to over 10 million new HIV infections and 3 million HIV-related deaths.

“The United States has a responsibility to ensure that if it withdraws direct funding for countries, it’s done in an orderly and humane way that allows them to find alternative sources of funding,” Ghebreyesus said at a press conference, as reported by Reuters.

Millions of people worldwide rely on U.S.-funded HIV programs, such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved countless lives. The funding halt could force many to discontinue treatment, increasing the risk of transmission and drug resistance.

Wider Impact on Global Health Programs

The aid suspension, implemented shortly after Trump took office, has also affected efforts to combat polio, malaria, and tuberculosis. Additionally, WHO’s Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which operates over 700 sites worldwide, faces imminent closure, a major concern as measles cases surge in the United States.

The funding freeze is also taking a toll on Afghanistan, where 80% of WHO-backed essential health services are at risk of shutting down. WHO revealed that as of March 4, 167 health facilities had already closed due to financial shortages, with over 220 more expected to shut down by June unless urgent funding is secured.

WHO Faces Budget Cuts Amid U.S. Exit Plans

Compounding the crisis, the U.S. government’s planned withdrawal from WHO, after historically contributing about 20% of its annual budget, has forced the agency to freeze hiring and make drastic budget cuts. WHO announced plans to reduce its emergency operations funding target from $1.2 billion to $872 million for the 2026-2027 period.

As global health experts warn of devastating consequences, many are calling for urgent international cooperation to prevent a humanitarian disaster.