UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima expressed concerns that Donald Trump's cuts to HIV/AIDS programs could further derail the global plan to end the disease by 2030. With 1.3 million new infections in 2023, the world was already off track, according to the latest data. Byanyima shared these insights during a press conference in South Africa, a country with 8 million people living with HIV.

She emphasized that reduced funding would lead to even greater deviations from the target. Byanyima highlighted the adverse effects of the U.S. president's decision to slash foreign aid, stating that the impact was already visible in declining clinic visits in several countries.

Before the budget cuts, prevention programs had successfully reduced new infections, but not at a pace sufficient to meet the 2023 goal. The closure of community clinics across Africa due to the cuts is expected to result in a surge of infections, although the exact extent remains uncertain.

The discontinuation of U.S. foreign aid has disrupted the supply of essential HIV treatments, putting some countries at risk of running out. In South Africa, where a significant portion of the HIV budget relied on U.S. funding, testing and monitoring of HIV patients have already started to decline.

Byanyima acknowledged that even economically challenged nations were finding ways to bridge funding shortfalls, but urged wealthier countries to provide support. She emphasized the importance of sustaining progress in combating a disease without a cure or vaccine, calling on donors to continue their contributions until the goal is achieved.