US funding cuts linked to widespread disruption of global HIV services, report finds

A new report has found that disruptions to US-funded HIV programmes have led to the closure of more than 1,700 clinics and service sites and the loss of over 16,000 healthcare jobs across 46 countries, raising concerns about access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment services worldwide.

The findings come from amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, which surveyed 166 organisations supported through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The report concludes that delays, cancellations and reductions in funding have significantly disrupted HIV programmes in many low- and middle-income countries.

According to the report, services most affected include HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment, prevention programmes, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and support for vulnerable groups. Several organisations reported reducing or suspending community outreach, while five organisations said they had ceased operations entirely.

PEPFAR, established in 2003, is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest global health initiatives. The programme reports that it has helped save more than 26 million lives and currently supports HIV treatment for more than 20 million people worldwide.

The report’s authors warn that prolonged disruption could reverse years of progress in the global fight against HIV by increasing the risk of treatment interruptions, new infections and poorer health outcomes. They have called for stable funding and continued international support to protect essential HIV services.

The US State Department has maintained that PEPFAR remains operational and that life-saving HIV treatment continues to be supported. However, the amfAR report states that many organisations experienced significant operational disruption despite measures intended to protect essential services.

For healthcare providers and policymakers, the report highlights the importance of sustained investment in public health programmes and the potential impact that funding changes can have on healthcare systems and patient access across the world.

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