The United States government has terminated its agreement with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), a move that has sparked widespread concern over the potential disruption of global HIV/AIDS funding. The termination, which was announced on UNAIDS’ website on Friday, follows an Executive Order issued by the U.S. President on January 20, 2025, that mandated a 90-day freeze on all foreign aid.
The U.S. government’s decision to terminate its agreement with UNAIDS has significant implications for the global HIV/AIDS response. As one of the largest donors to UNAIDS, the U.S. government’s funding has played a critical role in supporting HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services worldwide. The termination of this agreement is expected to disrupt these services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries that rely heavily on U.S. funding.
According to UNAIDS, the termination of the agreement will have a significant impact on the continuity of life-saving HIV services for people living with and affected by HIV. The organization has expressed concern over the potential disruptions to HIV testing, treatment, and prevention services, as well as the impact on community organizations and healthcare workers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also expressed deep concern over the implications of the funding pause for HIV programs in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO has noted that a funding halt for HIV programs can put people living with HIV at an immediately increased risk of illness and death, and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries.
In Nigeria, which is one of the countries most reliant on U.S. funding for HIV medicines, the Federal Executive Council has approved a total of $1.07 billion in financing for healthcare sector reforms, as well as an N4.8 billion allocation for HIV treatment. However, the long-term implications of the U.S. government’s decision to terminate its agreement with UNAIDS remain uncertain.
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