An uncounted number of preventable deaths and widespread disruption to HIV prevention services have emerged as direct consequences of sharp funding cuts to global AIDS programmes since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, according to a new report released by UNAIDS.
The agency warns that the world’s progress in combating HIV is now at serious risk.
The report states that millions of people have been affected by the rollback of international support, with an estimated 2.5 million individuals losing access to PrEP, the medication that helps block the transmission of HIV.
Community organisations working with UNAIDS have reported deaths among people living with HIV following the closure of clinics and the interruption of treatment services. While the precise number of additional deaths is not yet known, data collection is ongoing.
UNAIDS said the global response entered “crisis mode” when the United States — historically the largest donor and responsible for roughly 75 percent of all international HIV funding — temporarily halted its HIV-related contributions earlier this year.
Other major donor nations have also scaled back support for foreign aid programmes, partly due to increased defence spending pressures.
The White House rejected the UNAIDS assessment, calling it “totally false.” Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said President Trump “has a humanitarian heart” and insisted that the administration is ensuring taxpayer-funded programmes align with “American interests.”
While some HIV programmes have resumed with money from PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, overall international funding continues to decline. According to UNAIDS, this shortfall threatens global efforts to meet the 2030 target of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Speaking in Geneva, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said the agency is working with at least 30 countries to increase domestic funding and reduce dependence on international donors.
However, she emphasised that the current funding gap cannot be filled immediately and that major challenges lie ahead.
Globally, 40.8 million people are living with HIV and 1.3 million new infections were recorded in 2024. Between 2010 and 2024, annual AIDS-related deaths fell by 54 percent to 630,000, and new infections declined by 40 percent.
UNAIDS warns that these hard-won gains are now imperilled. The report highlights severe disruptions to prevention services, particularly the distribution of HIV-preventive medicines and condoms.
As of October 2025, the distribution of preventive medication had dropped significantly in several countries, including Uganda (31 percent), Vietnam (21 percent) and Burundi (64 percent). Nigeria recorded a 55 percent decline in condom distribution between December of last year and March this year.
A recent survey conducted by UNAIDS and the ATHENA Network found that nearly half of women and adolescent girls experienced interruptions to HIV prevention and treatment services within their communities.
UNAIDS stresses that without immediate, renewed global commitment, progress toward ending AIDS could be reversed, placing millions more at risk worldwide.