The Independent is urgently calling on the British government to safeguard remaining foreign HIV and Aids funding, as drastic international aid reductions create an unprecedented global care crisis.
Lives Already Lost as Funding Disappears
According to the United Nations, the world was on track to end the Aids pandemic by 2030. This progress is now in grave jeopardy. The UK, alongside the US and other nations, has slashed funding for vital response programmes. Further cuts are anticipated, threatening a return to the terrifying peak of the crisis.
The Independent estimates that hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people will die as a result. Infections are projected to soar, and the number of HIV-resistant strains could double. This alarming scenario is already unfolding.
During an eight-month investigative project, The Independent documented the human cost in Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Senegal. The team met HIV patients who are now dying after losing access to medication. They spoke with mothers unable to get treatment to prevent transmission to their unborn babies, and medics forced to work for free with ever-dwindling supplies.
Tragically, three of the people interviewed in March have since died because they lost access to their medication. A fourth is now gravely ill.
A Call to Protect the Global Fund
There is deep concern that Sir Keir Starmer has decided to continue cutting international aid funding. The UK government has already confirmed it will reduce its contribution to the Global Fund by a staggering £150 million. Decisions on further funding for essential HIV care work around the world are still pending.
The plea is echoed by those on the front lines. Grace, a volunteer healthworker in Uganda who sees her patients dying every week, has signed the petition. Her message is clear: We cannot allow this to happen, and we need your support to help stop it.
We must protect funding for HIV care. The world is too close to ending this pandemic to turn back now.
