Experts at the Aids 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro warn that US foreign aid cuts, particularly the dissolution of USAID, are hindering global access to new HIV prevention innovations like lenacapavir, jeopardizing efforts to reduce new infections, especially in vulnerable populations.
Labour's foreign aid cuts will reduce bilateral support to some African countries by up to 90% by 2029, according to Foreign Office figures. Development charities like Bond and Save the Children criticize the move, warning of increased poverty and instability, while the government argues for more efficient multilateral funding.
Experts warn that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda has been worsened by significant cuts to US and Western foreign aid. The closure of USAID and reduced funding have hampered response efforts, leading to delays in detection, treatment, and containment.
US foreign aid cuts, specifically the phased withdrawal of PEPFAR's over $400 million annual support for South Africa's HIV programs, are impacting vulnerable groups. Civil society organizations report prevention services are severely affected, with some facilities closing and workers losing jobs, as the Trump administration cited political issues for the withdrawal.
UK Development Minister Jenny Chapman admitted that foreign aid cuts, including from the UK, have undermined the response to the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda. She acknowledged that more resources are needed to combat the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no proven vaccine or treatment.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is spreading, with over 1,000 cases and 223 suspected deaths. Misinformation on social media hinders containment efforts, while reduced funding for organizations like the International Rescue Committee limits public health messaging. The US states it responded rapidly and funding levels remain unaffected.
