HIV prevention drug could reduce cases globally but USAID cuts prevent access, say experts
Experts at the Aids 2026 Conference warn that US foreign aid cuts, specifically the dissolution of USAID, are hindering global access to life-saving HIV prevention drugs like lenacapavir. Despite the drug's high efficacy, funding declines threaten to reverse progress in global HIV reduction.
Why it matters
The report highlights the critical impact of US foreign policy shifts on global public health initiatives and the potential for increased HIV transmission rates.
People protest against funding cuts and drug patents during the 26th International Aids Conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. via Getty Images People protest against funding cuts and drug patents during the 26th International Aids Conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. via Getty Images Aids and HIV HIV prevention drug could reduce cases globally but USAID cuts prevent access, say experts Injectable PrEP drug holds promise but investment in HIV prevention has declined dramatically worldwide
Prefer the Guardian on Google New innovations in HIV prevention could dramatically reduce the number of new HIV cases around the globe, but US foreign aid cuts will mean that those that most need the new medication will be unable to access it, according to experts at the Aids 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil .
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