Trump order set to halt supply of HIV, malaria drugs to poor countries, sources say
The Trump administration has moved to stop the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the globe, a memo reviewed by Reuters showed.
On Tuesday, contractors and partners who work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) began receiving such memos to stop work immediately, sources said. The move is part of a wider freeze on US aid and funding put in place since Trump took office on January 20, while programmes are reviewed.
One such memo went to Chemonics, a large US consulting firm which works with USAID on the supply of medicines for a range of conditions worldwide.
The memo covers the firm's work on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis as well as contraception and maternal and child health supplies, one USAID source and one former USAID official told Reuters.
"This is catastrophic," said Atul Gawande, former head of global health at USAID who left the agency this month. "Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people living with HIV alive. That stops today."
Chemonics and USAID did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Interruptions in treatment for diseases mean that patients risk getting sick, as well as, in the case of HIV in particular, transmitting the virus to others. It also means drug-resistant strains may emerge, Gawande said.
He said other partners had also received notices that meant they would be unable to deliver medicines to clinics even if they had them in stock, or open the clinics if they are funded by the US.
That includes organisations working with 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children with HIV in 23 countries, he said.
Trump ordered a 90-day pause in foreign development assistance on January 20, the day he took the oath of office, pending assessments of efficiencies and consistency with US foreign policy.
His administration has also put on leave about 60 senior career officials at the USAID, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.
The administration's actions threaten billions of dollars of life-saving aid from the world's largest single donor. In fiscal year 2023, the US disbursed $72 billion in assistance. It provided 42 per cent of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Zawya
Driving through barriers: Joan Kaitesi's journey on male-dominated roads
In the heart of Uganda's capital, 35-year-old Joan Kaitesi navigates the city's infamous traffic jams with calm determination. As a driver for the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda country office, Joan's professionalism shines through the daily chaos of blaring horns and impatient road users. From a young age, Joan was captivated by vehicles. Inspired by action films and a childhood dream of driving tanks in war zones, Joan's fascination with big vehicles set her apart. While society often labelled her interests as 'masculine,' Joan remained steadfast, determined to forge a path in a field traditionally dominated by men. 'Being one of the older children at home, I had to act as a role model to my siblings in a challenging environment. This pushed me to work hard and never despise any job, including roles commonly reserved for men, which led me to join the driving discipline,' shares Joan, the second-born in a family of six (three girls and three boys). Her professional journey began in 2015 at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), where she stood out as the only female among 15 applicants. Despite initial intimidation, Joan's skills and determination earned her the role, making her the first female driver at IDI. She later joined Chemonics International for five years, and then UN Women, where she expanded her responsibilities to include assisting expatriates with documentation and protocol duties. In October 2024, Joan joined WHO Uganda during a polio immunization campaign, becoming the second female driver at the country office. Joan's journey has not been without obstacles. She has faced gender stereotypes and skepticism from male colleagues and road users alike. Yet, she has consistently proven her capabilities through quick decision-making, time management, and a strong commitment to safety and professionalism. One of her most memorable moments came in 2021, during a circumcision campaign in Karamoja. When a nurse was suddenly unavailable due to an emergency, Joan stepped in to assist, showcasing her adaptability and dedication to service. Joan draws inspiration from trailblazing Ugandan women such as Justice Julia Sebutinde of the International Court of Justice and Jennifer Musisi, the first Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority. These role models have shown her that women can thrive in male-dominated spaces. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Transport and Logistics Management from Makerere University Business School, along with training in 4x4 defensive driving, first aid, and other relevant skills. Currently, Joan is pursuing further education in the same field, with the goal of becoming a fleet officer. She encourages young women to be resilient, professional, and open to continuous learning. Outside of work, Joan is a passionate advocate for healthy living. She works out three to four times a week and enjoys dancing, whether there's music or not. She also finds joy in gardening, often talking to her plants as she tends to them. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Uganda.
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Million-plus pilgrims arrive in Mina for 'Day of Tarwiyah'
4 June 2025 13:09 MINA, SAUDI ARABIA (AGENCIES) Pilgrims began arriving in Mina on Wednesday morning to spend the Day of Tarwiyah, Dhu Al-Hijjah 8, and stay overnight before the hajj's high-point Thursday, prayers on Mount to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom's government provided extensive security, medical, food, and transportation services to ensure pilgrims' comfort and enable them to perform their rituals with ease and media reported that more than a million pilgrims had begun arriving in the sprawling tent city of Mina on Mecca's outskirts where they will stay overnight before the hajj's high-point Thursday - prayers on Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final 1.4 million pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of the hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam that must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the Wednesday, pilgrims will perform the tawaf - walking seven times around the Kaaba, which Muslims pray towards each entering Mecca, pilgrims must first enter a state of purity, called ihram, which requires special dress and don a seamless shroud-like white garment that emphasises unity among believers, regardless of their social status or in turn, wear loose dresses, also white, exposing just their faces and arriving on buses had begun already trickling into Mina on Tuesday afternoon, greeted by staff offering them coffee and dates."I am so happy, it's such an amazing feeling," said Reem al-Shogre, a 35-year-old Saudi performing the pilgrimage for the first time. Artificial Intelligence Following last year's lethal heatwave, authorities have mobilised more than 40 government agencies and 250,000 officials to improve protection. The newly built pedestrian boulevard leading to the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia (REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah) Shaded areas have been enlarged by 50,000 square metres, thousands of additional medics will be on standby and more than 400 cooling units will be deployed, Hajj Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah told AFP last intelligence technology will help process the deluge of data, including video from a new fleet of drones, to better manage the massive crowds.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Mozambique: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Services Expand to Reach People with Disabilities
Across Mozambique, momentum is building in the delivery of HIV services, bringing renewed opportunities for communities that have long been on the margins. In Beira, one organization is working to ensure that people with disabilities are fully supported in the country's response to HIV. AMAMUS, a local group funded through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has emerged as a key partner in expanding access to HIV prevention, testing and treatment. Drawing on trusted community ties, the organization quickly ramped up its services earlier this year, reaching both new and existing beneficiaries through tailored approaches. Antonia Piri Piri, AMAMUS Coordinator and a respected advocate who also lives with hearing impairment said that they were ready to reach out to beneficiaries who depend on them not only for healthcare but also for reassurance, understanding, and a sense of connection. She added that as soon as it was possible, they returned to the neighborhoods to ensure that no one was left behind. Bringing Services Closer to Those Often Overlooked In Mozambique, roughly 2% of the population lives with a disability—a group that routinely faces barriers in the health system. The 2017 census found that 9.4% of people with disabilities have hearing impairments, with more than 14,000 living in Sofala Province, where AMAMUS is most active. One of the many touched by the organization's work is Joana Antonio, 26. Blind since childhood, Joana had never taken an HIV test due to fear, misinformation, and the lack of accessible information. With guidance from AMAMUS, she used a self-test kit for the first time and learned she was living with both HIV and tuberculosis. She was quickly linked to treatment and continues to receive support. Joana said that although she was initially scared to find out her status, she received support and guidance from AMAMUS, which helped her understand everything. She now knows her status and is receiving the care she needs. Privacy, Dignity and Health at Home A central part of AMAMUS's outreach is the promotion of HIV self-testing, an empowering tool for individuals who face obstacles visiting health centers. The kits are distributed through door-to-door outreach, community visits, and awareness sessions, where AMAMUS activists demonstrate how to use them safely and privately. For people with disabilities, this approach removes hurdles like long travel, communication barriers, and the need for intermediaries. If a test is positive, AMAMUS steps in to provide counseling, confirmatory testing, and referrals to care. They also offer psychosocial support and help escort individuals to clinics when needed. Creating a Health System That Reflects Everyone Despite progress, structural challenges persist. Many health facilities are not adapted for those with mobility, visual, or auditory impairments. Public transportation remains inconsistent and discriminatory, sometimes charging extra for assistive devices or refusing service altogether. These gaps hinder consistent access to treatment and increase the risk of drug resistance. AMAMUS is working to overcome these hurdles by advocating for more representation in health planning and by adapting their own services to meet people where they are. For AMAMUS, this is about more than just physical access—it's about visibility, voice, and respect. Tech Tools Build Community Engagement AMAMUS is also using digital tools to build stronger connections. The organization created WhatsApp groups tailored to different communities, providing real-time updates on HIV services and creating a space for peer support. A community health fair is also in the works, designed to bring integrated services like HIV testing directly to residents in hard-to-reach areas. Progress Anchored in Community Strength As Mozambique intensifies its HIV response, organizations like AMAMUS are playing a vital role in ensuring that services reach all corners of society. Their work is helping to dismantle long-standing barriers and foster broad-based participation in health initiatives. While a temporary pause in activities earlier this year posed logistical challenges, it also reinforced the value of community-rooted responses and the urgency of building health systems that serve everyone, regardless of ability or background. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Mozambique.
