After lengthy debates and threats of massive budget cuts, the United States Congress passed a bill that preserves funding for important domestic HIV prevention and treatment programs, although it had previously proposed significant cuts or complete elimination of these expenditures.
This decision, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, was the result of pressure from civil society organizations and medical activists, including the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, who opposed proposals to eliminate funding for key initiatives. They called on the US administration to focus its efforts on properly implementing existing programs aimed at curbing the HIV epidemic in the country, rather than eliminating them.
In previous months, a number of budget proposals called for radical cuts or even the elimination of some federal support for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and research programs, including the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and parts of the Ryan White program that provide medical care to people with HIV/AIDS. These proposals drew widespread criticism from experts and advocates, who warned that such moves could weaken health care systems and undermine progress in combating the infection.
Maintaining funding means that federal programs that promote access to prevention measures (including PrEP), support for people living with HIV, and medical services for vulnerable groups will continue to operate. However, activists caution that Congress’s current efforts must be backed up by effective implementation at the administrative level and adequate resourcing in order to have a real impact on reducing new HIV cases and improving treatment outcomes.
In previous months, a number of budget proposals called for drastic cuts or even the elimination of some federal support for HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and research programs, including the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative and parts of the Ryan White program that provide medical care to people with HIV/AIDS. These proposals drew widespread criticism from experts and advocates, who warned that such moves could weaken health care systems and undermine progress in combating the infection.
Maintaining funding means that federal programs that promote access to prevention measures (including PrEP), support for people living with HIV, and medical services for vulnerable groups will continue to operate. However, activists caution that Congress’s current efforts must be backed up by effective implementation at the administrative level and adequate resources to have a real impact on reducing new HIV cases and improving treatment outcomes.
According to UNAIDS, due to large-scale cuts in international aid, the global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is on the verge of a serious setback. This is stated in the UNAIDS report “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.” According to the report, international aid for HIV/AIDS has fallen by a shocking 30-40% this year compared to 2023, leading to widespread disruptions in prevention, diagnosis, and community support in low- and middle-income countries.