Proposed foreign aid cuts could lead to millions of HIV deaths, study estimates

Proposed cuts to global foreign aid, including slashing programs in the United States, could lead to millions of HIV deaths and soaring rates of infections around the world in the coming years, according to a new study. 

Published Wednesday in The Lancet HIV journal, the modeling study estimates that by 2030, there could be between 4.4 million to 10.8 million additional new HIV infections in low- and middle-income countries and 770,000 to 2.9 million HIV-related deaths in children and adults. To estimate the impacts, the authors examined 26 countries that used foreign aid for HIV resources, including Albania, Cambodia, Colombia, Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa and Sri Lanka.

They noted that international funding has been crucial in reducing HIV transmissions and deaths, and that five countries provide over 90% of international HIV funding, with the U.S. being by far the largest contributor. But donor nations have announced reductions in aid of between 8% and 70% between 2025 and 2026.