H.I.V. Prevention Plans in Jeopardy

Tue Oct 21 2025 02:30:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Funding cuts derail breakthrough efforts in H.I.V. treatment across Africa.

The U.S. withdrawal of support threatens vital H.I.V. initiatives, especially a promising new drug expected to protect young women in Africa.

A supposed breakthrough year in the fight against H.I.V. has hit major roadblocks due to significant funding cuts from the Trump administration. This year was anticipated to see the introduction of lenacapavir, a groundbreaking preventive drug providing nearly complete protection against the virus, particularly targeting young women in Africa, who represent a large percentage of new infections.

Despite progress in vaccine research and potential cures, H.I.V. programs across eastern and southern Africa struggle to fill gaps left by lost funding, including the staffing of nurses and technicians crucial for administering treatments and managing clinical trials. Experts like Dr. Leila Mansoor from South Africa's AIDS Research Centre express disappointment over the setback, stating they had envisioned a significantly different situation in 2025.

As public health officials scramble to replace lost resources, the future of H.I.V. prevention depends on urgent funding restoration and renewed support from global partners.