Donald Trump Stops Lifesaving HIV Meds – Thousands Could Die, Experts Warn, You Won’t Believe Why

The Trump administration has decided to stop sending HIV medications to countries that rely on U.S. aid to fight the disease. These medications were already bought and paid for by the U.S. government, and some were even sitting in clinics, ready to be given to patients. But now, they’re being held back, leaving many people without the treatment they need to stay healthy.

This decision is part of a bigger plan to pause foreign aid programs. Last week, the Trump administration froze funds for at least 90 days that are used to buy HIV treatments, especially in Africa. One of the most important programs affected is called PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). PEPFAR is a $7.5 billion program run by the U.S. State Department, and it has been a lifeline for millions of people living with HIV around the world.

Health experts are shocked and upset by this move. They say stopping the distribution of these medications is dangerous and could cost lives. Jirair Ratevosian, who used to work as the chief of staff for PEPFAR under President Joe Biden, called the decision “devastating.” He explained that this freeze on aid is like knocking over dominoes—it disrupts programs, leaves people without care, and puts lives at risk.

A study mentioned by *The New York Times* shows just how serious this could be. If PEPFAR were shut down completely, up to 600,000 people in South Africa alone could die over the next 10 years because they wouldn’t have access to the medications they need. Health advocates, like Asia Russell from the group Health Gap, say their partners are stunned and don’t know how to keep helping patients without the support of these programs.

This decision comes after another controversial move by the Trump administration. Recently, Trump ordered the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop working with the World Health Organization (WHO). He also announced that the U.S. would leave the WHO altogether. Trump blamed the WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and failing to make necessary changes to how it operates.