Trump Administration Cuts Threaten Global HIV Progress, Risk Millions of Deaths

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), established in 2003, has been instrumental in saving millions of lives and preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission globally, particularly in African countries like Eswatini. However, funding cuts under the Trump administration significantly disrupted HIV/AIDS programs, causing a halt in community testing and follow-up services, which experts warn could reverse decades of progress and lead to millions of additional deaths and new infections by 2030. The funding freeze also jeopardized critical support systems, increasing the number of AIDS orphans and risking the resurgence of the epidemic. Amid these challenges, the AIDS/LifeCycle charity bike ride—one of the largest and most successful AIDS fundraisers, which has raised over $300 million over 31 years—is holding its final event in 2025 due to rising costs and declining participation. Participants in the last ride emphasize the ongoing importance of awareness and funding for HIV/AIDS research and services, especially in light of recent funding cuts. The legacy of PEPFAR and community efforts like AIDS/LifeCycle highlight the critical need for sustained support to prevent a public health crisis and maintain global progress against HIV/AIDS.