The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria; along with several other countries could run out of HIV treatments in the coming months due to a funding shortfall from the United States.
According to the global health agency, the decision by the Trump administration has “substantially disrupted” the supply of life-saving HIV medications in eight countries, putting millions at risk.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a press conference that these disruptions could reverse 20 years of progress in combating HIV.
He warned that without urgent action, this setback could result in over 10 million additional HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths.
He also noted that the funding shortfall has severely impacted efforts to combat polio, malaria, and tuberculosis.
The WHO also revealed that the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network comprising over 700 sites worldwide, faces an imminent shutdown due to financial constraints.
Reports indicate that as of March 4, approximately 167 health facilities had already shut down due to funding shortages. Without immediate intervention, over 220 more facilities could close by June.
