UNAIDS chief says sudden U.S. aid withdrawal risking millions of lives, could see AIDS pandemic resurge

Geneva — The sudden halt to U.S. foreign aid funding has been devastating, the UNAIDS chief said Monday, warning that without more funding, millions more will die and the global AIDS pandemic will resurge.

The United States has historically been the world's largest donor of humanitarian assistance, but President Trump has slashed international aid since returning to the White House two months ago.

"It is reasonable for the United States to want to reduce its funding over time, but the sudden withdrawal of lifesaving support is having a devastating impact," UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima told reporters in Geneva. "We urge for a reconsideration and an urgent restoration of services — lifesaving services."