HIV fight threatened by funding cuts, experts warn
Experts at a major international AIDS conference in Rio de Janeiro have warned that the fight against HIV is in danger due to significant funding cuts. International financing for HIV in developing countries fell by 18 percent last year, with European nations reducing their contributions by 58 percent since 2011. This decline follows the United States' dramatic reduction in foreign aid. Beatriz Grinsztejn, president of the International AIDS Society, stated that donor funding has never fallen so far, so fast, and vulnerable populations are already suffering. UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima emphasized that while scientific advancements have made the end of AIDS possible, inequality and political will are now the limiting factors. She noted that prevention medicines are highly effective, but millions still lack access. Developing countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, are increasing their domestic funding, which rose by four percent last year and now accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total HIV response. However, this is still insufficient, as many low-income African countries rely on overseas assistance for 90 percent of their HIV response. Despite new HIV cases and AIDS-related deaths dropping to their lowest levels in over 30 years last year, new infections rose in 21 countries. The UN aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with a goal of 20 million people accessing anti-retroviral drugs. Last year, almost half of all children living with HIV did n