Trump’s aid withdrawal in East Africa triggered unwanted abortion and newborns infected with HIV – report. Image: The Guardian.
(The Post News)- The US cut of aid of aid to East Africa has caused severe disruptions in HIV prevention and treatment programs across the region. Healthcare professionals report that clinics in Tanzania and Uganda struggled to maintain operations, leaving many mothers unable to access life-saving antiretroviral medications.
As a result, USAIDAIDcuts to East Africa have led to infants being born with HIV, a surge in severe infections, and increased risks for drug resistance when patients skipped doses to conserve limited supplies.
US Cut in in Aid Disrupts Clinics and Daily Operations
A study conducted by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) documents the consequences of this suspension of support. Based on interviews with 39 clinicians, nurses, patients, and service providers, the report focuses on the first 100 days after the directive to halt PEPFAR-supported programs.
The analysis illustrates how US aid cutss to East Africa disrupted daily clinic operations, forcing staff to ration medication and,, in some cases,, close facilities entirely. These interruptions prevented mothers from receiving the treatment necessary to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, illustrating the immediate and life-threatening consequences of the funding cuts.
Healthcare providers emphasized that the USe US cut aid to East Africa disproportionately harmed high-risk groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and people who inject drugs. In Tanzania and Uganda, these groups face criminalization and social stigma, which already complicates access to care.
When specialized clinics that offered safe, confidential services were forced to reduce operations, these populations became even more vulnerable. Providers reported that individuals from marginalized groups often avoided mainstream government clinics out of fear of discrimination, further amplifying the health crisis triggered by the aid cuts.
Human Impact and Medication Shortages
The study also highlights the human impact of the funding interruptions. One mental health coordinator reported that a woman chose to terminate her pregnancy after hearing rumors that antiretrovirals were unavailable.
She feared giving birth to a child with HIV and anticipated blame from her community. This example demonstrates how US aid cutss to East Africa havee consequences that extend beyond medical statistics, affecting personal and ethical decisions in profound ways.
Clinics reported alarming statistics: by late April, one facility indicated that 25% of HIV-positive pregnant women it served had delivered babies who contracted HIV. Staff explained that medication deliveries had not arrived on time, and existing supplies fell far short of what patients needed.
These disruptions forced healthcare providers to limit the amount of medication dispensed, often providing just a few weeks’ supply instead of several months. The report noted that rumors about permanent shortages spread quickly, creating panic and eroding confidence in both local health authorities and US-supported programs. Clearly, US cuts to aid to East Africa have undermined public trust in critical health systems.
Experts warn that the consequences of the US cutting aid to East Africa could reverse decades of progress in controlling HIV in the region. The suspension of funding not only interrupted medical services but also destabilized supply chains and created uncertainty about the future availability of treatment.
Emily Bass, a co-author of the report, emphasized that some programs have restarted services, providing short-term relief. However, she stressed that there remains only a “small window” for the US Congress to act to stabilize ongoing services and prevent further harm.
The broader social effects of the US cutting aid to East Africa are also significant. Many individuals anticipate higher care costs and fear the rise of counterfeit medications as official supply chains falter. High-risk populations now face increased barriers and discrimination when seeking care.
Without immediate action, the report warns, these challenges could expand, threatening not only individual health outcomes but also community-wide progress in reducing HIV transmission.
The authors of the PHR study urge the US government to reinstate, safeguard, and protect international health funding. They recommend full financial support proportional to the needs of global HIV programs in the FY 2026 budget and the reauthorization of PEPFAR.
Only with sustained investment can the programs transition effectively to national management and maintain the life-saving services that communities depend on. Without such action, the US cut of aid to East Africa will continue to endanger lives, undermine trust, and jeopardize decades of hard-won progress in combating HIV.
US cuts to aid to East Africa have had immediate and long-term consequences for the region, directly impacting maternal and infant health, vulnerable populations, and public confidence in healthcare systems. Restoring funding and ensuring continuity of care remain essential to prevent further harm and secure the health gains achieved over the past two decades.
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