The head of the U.N. AIDS agency warned on Monday that new HIV infections could surge more than sixfold by 2029 if the U.S. withdraws its support for the largest global AIDS program. She cautioned that such a move could lead to millions of deaths and an increased prevalence of drug-resistant strains of the virus.
Speaking to The Associated Press, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima highlighted that HIV cases have been steadily declining, with 1.3 million new infections reported in 2023—a 60% drop from the peak in 1995.
However, following former President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze all foreign aid for 90 days, Byanyima stated that projections indicate a sharp rise in HIV infections by 2029. Estimates suggest 8.7 million new cases, a tenfold increase in AIDS-related deaths—reaching 6.3 million—and an additional 3.4 million children left orphaned.
