WHO Warns of Setbacks: Trump’s HIV Funding Cuts Could Hinder Progress

Trump’s HIV Funding Cuts: Potential Global Health Setback, Says WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern over President Trump’s recent decision to halt funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This move threatens to disrupt treatment and support services for over 30 million people worldwide who rely on PEPFAR’s programs.

The suspension of PEPFAR funding is part of a broader 90-day freeze on foreign aid spending initiated by the Trump administration. This pause affects a wide range of health initiatives, including those targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

In response to the funding cuts, WHO staff member Tania Cernuschi launched the “1 Dollar, 1 World” campaign to raise funds for the organization. The initiative encourages individuals globally to donate a dollar each, aiming to mitigate the impact of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO and sustain critical health programs.

The WHO warns that the abrupt cessation of PEPFAR funding could lead to significant setbacks in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, potentially reversing years of progress and endangering millions of lives.