The Human Pain Behind Global HIV Funding Cuts
Advocates at the 26th International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro are protesting severe funding cuts to global HIV programs. The reduction in support from the U.S. government, specifically PEPFAR and USAID, has led to the closure of critical treatment and prevention services in countries like Uganda.
Why it matters
The funding shortfall is causing a direct humanitarian crisis, resulting in the loss of essential medical access and staff for vulnerable populations.
“Cuts Equal Death” banner at AIDS 2026 Mark S. King
Advocates express their outrage at the 26th International AIDS Conference.
The impact of the severe funding cuts by the United States in 2025 to global health programs is central to the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026). The global gathering, hosted by the International AIDS Society (IAS), is taking place in Rio de Janeiro.
The effects of the financial devastation can be seen on the faces of delegates from more than 55 countries who suddenly lost support last year, when the Trump administration made steep cuts to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Flavia Kyomukama at AIDS 2026 Mark S. King
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