UN warns of HIV epidemic resurgence following sharp drops in funding

International health agencies have warned that hard-won progress against HIV is under threat due to drastic reductions in global funding. Speaking at the International AIDS Conference in Rio de Janeiro, UNAIDS reported an 18 percent decrease in available funds last year, bringing total support to $7.3 billion—the lowest level in nearly two decades.

The decline, driven significantly by cuts in US financial support, has hampered global health efforts and cost lives among infected populations, officials cautioned. Without renewed financial commitments, agencies warn the epidemic could flare up again, although some experts suggest the current crisis may also present an opportunity to restructure future health financing.

Sources: ORF, Tagesschau