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Tuesday, February 25, 2025
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HIV Control Group Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Patients in Africa

 

By Violet Auma

The African-led HIV Control Working Group (AHCWG) has urgently called for the immediate reinstatement of all President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other United States Government (USG)-funded HIV programs, which were halted following an Executive Order issued by the US President on January 20, 2025.

This decision has caused widespread confusion and fear, particularly among millions of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Africa who depend on these services for prevention, treatment, and care.

PEPFAR, established in 2004, has been one of the most successful global health programs, saving over 26 million lives and providing HIV treatment to more than 20 million people, with a significant focus on African nations.

The funding pause now threatens to reverse years of progress, leaving vulnerable populations including adolescent girls, young women, men who have sex with men, and sex workers without access to essential tools like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

The AHCWG is urging the US government to provide clear information on the future of HIV funding after the 90-day re-evaluation period, stressing the need for transparency in decision-making to avoid life-threatening disruptions in care.

At the same time, the group is calling on African governments to take bold action to secure the sustainability of their health systems.

The uncertainty surrounding external funding, they argue, underscores the need for African nations to reduce their reliance on foreign aid and invest more in local health solutions.

To ensure long-term health security, the AHCWG is pushing for African governments to strengthen their capacity to support HIV testing, prevention, treatment, and care while increasing domestic funding for healthcare services.

Additionally, they advocate for stronger collaboration between global stakeholders and African leaders to build the continent’s healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependency on external donors.

The group warns that the suspension of PEPFAR funding could have devastating effects, undoing decades of progress in HIV care and treatment.

The impact would be especially severe in countries already struggling with weak health systems due to recent crises such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Mpox outbreaks.

The AHCWG’s response highlights the urgent need for African nations to develop self-sustaining health systems capable of withstanding global shocks.

They stress that progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS must remain a global priority, requiring both domestic and international efforts to reinforce Africa’s health security in the years ahead.

 

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