Implications of the Proposed Budget Cuts for HIV Programs

Unprecedented success in the global response to HIV has been achieved as a result of substantial increases in resources for programs such as the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Close to 20 million people are now receiving antiretroviral therapy, and both mortality and new infections are in decline. Nevertheless, additional resources plus optimization of available funding will be needed to reach the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, so that by 2020, 90% of persons HIV will know their HIV status, 90% of persons with HIV will receive sustained antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 90% of persons receiving ART will achieve virologic suppression.

However, in its current budget, the Trump administration proposes cutting foreign aid by…