HIV infections could surge worldwide as US pulls funding from global treatment programmes, says UN
Around 31.6 million people were on antiretroviral drugs in 2024 and deaths from AIDS-related illnesses had more than halved since 2010 to 630,000 that year, the UNAIDS agency said in a new report.
But now infections were likely to shoot up as funding cuts have shuttered prevention and treatment programmes, it said.
The United States has been the world's biggest donor of humanitarian assistance but President Donald Trump's abrupt slashing of international aid in February sent the global humanitarian community scrambling to keep life-saving operations afloat.
'We are proud of the achievements, but worried about this sudden disruption reversing the gains we have made,' UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima told AFP ahead of the report's launch in Johannesburg.
The agency in April warned that a permanent discontinuation of PEPFAR, the massive US effort to fight HIV/AIDS, would lead to more than six million new infections and an additional 4.2 million AIDS-related deaths in the next four years.
This would bring the pandemic back to levels not seen since the early 2000s.
'This is not just a funding gap — it's a ticking time bomb' whose effects are already felt worldwide, Byanyima said in a press release.
Over 60 per cent of all women-led HIV organisations surveyed by UNAIDS had lost funding or had to suspend services, the report said.
In a striking example, the number of people receiving pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs to prevent transmission in Nigeria fell by over 85 per cent in the first few months of 2025.
The 'story of how the world has come together' to fight HIV/AIDS is 'one of the most important stories of progress in global health,' Byanyima told AFP.
'But that great story has been disrupted massively' by Trump's 'unprecedented' and 'cruel' move, she said.
'Priorities can shift, but you do not take away life-saving support from people just like that,' she said.
Key medical research affected
Crucial medical research on prevention and treatment have also shut down, including many in South Africa which has one of the highest HIV rates in the world and has become a leader in global research.
'Developing countries themselves contribute very much towards the research on HIV and AIDS, and that research serves the whole world,' Byanyima said.
In 25 out of 60 low- and middle-income countries surveyed by UNAIDS, governments had found ways to compensate part of the funding shortfall with domestic resources.
'We have to move towards nationally-owned and financed responses,' Byanyima said, calling for debt relief and the reform of international financial institutions to 'free up the fiscal space for developing countries to pay for their own response'.
Still, the global HIV response built from grassroots activism was 'resilient by its very nature', she told AFP.
'We moved from people dying every single day to now a point where it is really like a chronic illness,' she said.
'There is no question that the investment has been worth it, and continues to be worth it. It saves lives.' — AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
A chance to stop HIV with 'game changing' drug
As one of the countries eligible for HIV funding from the Global Fund, Malaysia can expect to gain access to lenacapavir through the health financing group. — AP Filepic Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will gain access to a 'game-changing' HIV prevention drug with a new deal signed between with US pharmaceutical giant Gilead and the Global Fund, the latter said on July 9 (2025). The health financing group set up to battle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, described the deal to procure lenacapavir for LMICs (including Malaysia) as 'a significant milestone for global health equity'. 'This marks the first time in history that an HIV prevention product will be introduced in LMICs at the same time as in high-income countries,' the Global Fund said in a statement. The group said it hoped the agreement with Gilead would make it possible to reach two million people with the revolutionary drug, which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June (2025). Drugs to prevent HIV transmission, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have existed for more than a decade. But because they typically require taking a daily pill, they have yet to make a significant dent in global infections. In contrast, lenacapavir requires only two injections per year and has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9% in adults and adolescents – making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. ALSO READ: This drug offers 100% HIV protection in women 'This is not just a scientific breakthrough – it's a turning point for HIV/AIDS,' Global Fund chief Peter Sands said. 'For the first time, we have a tool that can fundamentally change the trajectory of the HIV epidemic, but only if we get it to the people who need it most.' Under the agreement, countries supported by the Global Fund can access lenacapavir for PrEP, the organisation said, adding that it aimed for the first shipment and delivery to reach at least one African country by the end of this year. This, it said, would mark the start of 'a transformational shift in how HIV prevention is delivered to communities with the highest burden of new infections'. There is particular urgency in countries like South Africa, where adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV. 'This is a game changer for South Africa,' the country's Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said in the statement. 'Lenacapavir offers young women, and everyone at risk, a discreet, long-acting option to stay HIV-free.' – AFP
Malay Mail
17 hours ago
- Malay Mail
How dentists can help in Malaysia's HIV response — Tan Chuey Chuan, Goh Yet Ching
JULY 15 — In recent months, reports of rising HIV infections in Malaysia have once again made national headlines. The data paints a troubling picture: a noticeable increase in new cases, particularly among young Malaysians, some as young as 18. These statistics are more than just numbers — they represent real lives, real futures at risk. And while the HIV epidemic has long been associated with the medical field, this concerning trend invites a broader question: where else can we intervene earlier? For those of us in the dental profession, the answer may lie closer than we think. Dentists are often not the first profession that comes to mind when considering HIV detection. Yet we are uniquely positioned to play a crucial role. This is because HIV frequently manifests early signs in the oral cavity — symptoms that, while subtle, can be significant markers for early-stage infection. Persistent oral ulcers, oral candidiasis, necrotising gingivitis, and unusual lesions are just some of the tell-tale signs that may appear in the mouth before any systemic symptoms become apparent. These are not just isolated dental problems; they may be silent indicators of a much larger issue. What makes this especially important is the nature of dental care itself. Many people visit their dentists more regularly than they see their doctors, particularly young adults who may avoid medical clinics unless something feels urgently wrong. Dental visits, on the other hand, are often part of routine care and carry fewer perceived stigmas. This creates a powerful opportunity: the dental clinic as a frontline checkpoint, a place where potential signs of HIV can be recognised in an environment that feels safe and familiar. At the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, our training goes beyond filling cavities or treating gum disease. We educate our students to approach oral health holistically. This includes recognising when oral symptoms may be linked to broader systemic conditions, including HIV. When patients present with atypical lesions or persistent oral infections, we are taught to look beyond the surface. This means asking sensitive but important questions, making timely referrals, and always doing so with empathy, confidentiality, and professionalism. Despite this, public awareness of the dentist's potential role in HIV detection remains limited. Many still view HIV as an issue solely confined to the realm of medicine. This disconnect can lead to missed opportunities for early intervention. It is time to change that perception — not by expanding our clinical scope, but by reinforcing the important part we already play within the healthcare ecosystem. Dental visits, on the other hand, are often part of routine care and carry fewer perceived stigmas. This creates a powerful opportunity: the dental clinic as a frontline checkpoint, a place where potential signs of HIV can be recognised in an environment that feels safe and familiar. — Unsplash pic To the public, we say this: your dental visit is more than a cleaning or a filling. It is an opportunity to monitor aspects of your overall health, including potential early signs of conditions that may not yet have become apparent. If you notice ulcers that won't heal, white patches that persist, unexplained oral infections, or other unusual symptoms — don't hesitate to speak up. We are trained to notice, to listen, and to act with care. Let us reassure you: our dental clinics are a safe space. We do not diagnose HIV during a routine check-up. We do not make assumptions. But we do see patterns. We do recognise signs. And most importantly, we act with the best interest of our patients in mind. With the proper protocols and partnerships with medical professionals, we can ensure that patients who may need further screening are gently and respectfully guided in the right direction. Beyond clinical care, the dental community can also contribute to the national conversation on HIV by engaging in awareness efforts, supporting health education initiatives, and advocating for early detection as a shared responsibility across all healthcare sectors. In doing so, we align ourselves with a more integrated, humane, and proactive approach to HIV response in Malaysia. As we continue to face rising numbers and shifting public health challenges, we in the dental fraternity must embrace our role not just as oral health practitioners, but as early sentinels of broader wellness. It is a role that demands vigilance, compassion, and communication. And it is a role we are ready to fulfil. To the public: be open with your dentist. You are not alone, and you are not being judged. Your dental visit can be more than routine — it can be reassuring. We are here to protect your smile, yes, but also to support your overall wellbeing. The smile often hides what words cannot say. Let us, as dentists, be the ones who listen — to what is seen, what is said, and what is left unsaid. Because sometimes, behind a smile, lies a story that deserves to be heard — and helped. * Dr Tan Chuey Chuan and Dr Goh Yet Ching are from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Sinar Daily
How Malaysia's heat affects people with adrenal insufficiency
Malaysia's tropical climate, marked by scorching heat, relentless humidity and sudden downpours, is more than just uncomfortable. For individuals living with adrenal insufficiency, these environmental extremes can severely impact their health, intensifying risks like dehydration and heat stress that strain the body's ability to function normally. Sunway Medical Centre Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetes and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Lim Chong Wei explains on how Malaysia's weather patterns can complicate adrenal disorders and debunks common myths about this often-overlooked condition. Often referred to as the body's hormonal control centres, the adrenal glands sit atop each kidney and are responsible for producing key hormones. As Dr Lim explains, these hormones regulate vital functions such as blood pressure and the body's stress response which are essential to overall health. 'The adrenal glands produce essential hormones like cortisol, noradrenaline and adrenaline, which play a vital role in maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range. When the body lacks sufficient cortisol, an individual's blood pressure may drop," he said in a statement. Adrenal insufficiency, he says, arises when these glands fail to produce enough of these critical hormones. "The condition commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50, and it is usually associated with autoimmune conditions like type one diabetes, coeliac and thyroid disorder," he added. However, he noted that other environmental factors like tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and fungal infection may contribute to this condition in any age group. Malaysia's hot and humid weather doesn't just cause discomfort, it also makes diagnosing adrenal insufficiency more difficult. Many symptoms, such as exhaustion and poor focus, can easily be mistaken for common side effects of heat or stress. Dr Lim notes that this overlap complicates early detection. "Environmental stressors, including dehydration and poor concentration, often mask the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. "Compounding this challenge, the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are non-specific and include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, fatigue and confusion, making it difficult to distinguish between general fatigue and a more serious underlying adrenal issue," he said. He stressed that persistent symptoms should not be ignored, urging individuals to consult medical professionals for proper assessment and testing. Malaysia's hot and humid weather doesn't just cause discomfort, it also makes diagnosing adrenal insufficiency more difficult. Photo illustrated by Sinar Daily. How do individuals diagnose Adrenal Disorders? According to Dr Lim, adrenal disorders can be difficult to pinpoint without specific testing because their symptoms overlap with those of other health issues. One of the key diagnostic tools used is the Short Synacthen Test. Dr Lim further explained on how this test works to confirm adrenal function. "This test involves administering synthetic ACTH to stimulate the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol in response to this stimulation for those with adrenal insufficiency," he said. While adrenal disorders aren't curable, Dr Lim said they can be managed, especially with a focus on hydration, which becomes even more important in a hot and humid environment like Malaysia. "Ideally, everyone should carry a bottle of water with them and ensure they stay hydrated, especially in hot and humid conditions,' he recommended. He also warns about the seriousness of untreated adrenal insufficiency, which can lead to an adrenal crisis, a potentially fatal emergency. 'Without treatment, adrenal insufficiency can lead to life-threatening adrenal crises, where the body's inability to produce sufficient hormones results in fatal outcomes. "It will then become a medical emergency, and patients would require urgent hydrocortisone. Patients may be in a comatose state, and without treatment, up to 20 per cent of people in shock may die from an adrenal crisis," he said. Clearing the air on misconceptions Myths surrounding adrenal disorders can prevent people from seeking or following through with the right treatment. One widespread misconception is that adrenal function can return after a diagnosis of primary adrenal failure. "Primary adrenal failure is irreversible, and the adrenal glands do not regain their ability to produce hormones. "However, in cases of secondary adrenal insufficiency, there is a small chance about one in six that adrenal function may recover, which can take up to five years," he noted. According to Dr Lim, another dangerous myth is treating hydrocortisone as just another over-the-counter supplement. 'Hydrocortisone is not a simple supplement. It is a life-saving medication that replaces the hormones the body can no longer produce, essential for regulating blood pressure and responding to stress. Patients should never discontinue its use without consulting their healthcare provider," he said.
