The United States has terminated its agreement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a key player in the global effort to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
This move comes after the U.S. government imposed a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid as part of a review of foreign policy alignment. UNAIDS confirmed this development on its website on Friday.
On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning U.S. Foreign Aid,” which paused foreign assistance for 90 days.
UNAIDS complied by suspending contracts and activities. However, on February 27, 2025, the U.S. government, through USAID, informed UNAIDS that it was immediately terminating their agreement.
UNAIDS expressed concern over the severe impact of this decision on HIV programs worldwide, including the disruption of life-saving services for those living with or affected by HIV.
Reports from 52 countries indicate widespread disruptions in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, with particular hardship for community organizations and healthcare workers.
Nigeria, which heavily relies on U.S. funding for HIV treatment, is facing significant challenges. The country receives 47% of its HIV treatment resources from the U.S., with 94% of its HIV funding from international donors. UNAIDS highlighted that these disruptions threaten ongoing efforts to fight HIV, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also voiced concerns about the funding freeze, stressing that it could lead to a rise in new infections and deaths, reversing the progress made in combating HIV over the past few decades.
UNAIDS has reached out to the U.S. government for further clarification and instructions following the termination of their agreement. The situation continues to evolve, and UNAIDS has emphasized its commitment to ensuring continuity in HIV services despite these challenges.
