Global HIV Fight at Risk: U. S. Funding Cuts Threaten Progress

The global fight against HIV is in trouble. The U. S. has suddenly stopped funding HIV programs. This has caused big problems. Health clinics are closing. Medicines are running out. And more people are getting sick. The U. N. says if other countries don't step in, millions more will die by 2029. This is a big step back. Years of progress are at risk. The U. S. was a major supporter. It helped save lives and stop the spread of HIV. But now, the U. S. has pulled out. This has left many countries struggling. They can't fill the gap left by the U. S. The U. N. is worried. Other big donors might also cut their support. This could make things even worse. Experts say the U. S. should have given warning. This would have let countries plan ahead. Instead, clinics closed overnight. Patients were left without care. This is not fair to those who need help. The U. S. had a big program called PEPFAR. It helped many countries fight HIV. It paid for testing and treatment. It also funded medicines to prevent HIV. Without this help, many people will suffer. There is some good news. A new drug could end HIV. It is 100% effective. But it is expensive. Many countries can't afford it. The U. S. approved the drug. But without funding, it won't help much. Countries like South Africa are trying to help. They want to protect their people. But they can't do it alone. The world needs to step up. We can't let progress slip away.