The uncertain future
of the global AIDS response

Positioning the interviews within a timeline of the ongoing shifts in U.S. global HIV funding and policy.

Person Living with HIV

Person Using HIV Prevention

Policymaker

Activist

Service Provider

Uncategorized

January 2025

Donald Trump inaugurated 45th U.S. president

He immediately signs an executive order calling for a 90-day review of all foreign aid

State Department pauses nearly all foreign aid

The suspension includes operational HIV programs administering life-saving treatment

February 2025

State Department allows some life-saving services to continue

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarifies that HIV testing and treatment and programs to prevent mothers from transmitting HIV to their newborns can continue despite funding pause

Most USAID staff fired

Mass firings gut the agency responsible for implementing the majority of America’s global HIV funding

Macklean

Shakilah

Apako, Hajjati & Joseph

Anonymous

Flavia

DOGE begins canceling USAID contracts

The terminations include programs administering life-saving services, including HIV treatment and care

Bernard

Sarah

Charles

Agnes

Maria

March 2025

State Department says 83% of USAID programs canceled

Secretary Rubio indicates review of USAID programs is complete

Peter

Melb

Beatrice, Enid, Jowerica & Racheal

PEPFAR’s authorization expires

The program, responsible for the vast majority of U.S. support for the global HIV response, can still operate, but its future is now in limbo

Shakirah

Aidah

Joweria

April 2025

Juma

Miriam

Opok

Oliver & Betty

Walter

Mass firings at Centers for Disease Control

The agency is another major implementer of America’s global HIV programs

Florence

David

Perry

Nassa

Lydia

Foreign aid review extended

Despite Rubio’s earlier indication, the Trump administration appears to add 30 days to its foreign aid review

May 2025

Kittinun

Surang

Administration proposes cuts to 2026 global HIV budget

In his Congressional Budget Justification, Secretary Rubio requests $2.9 billion for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a $1.9 billion cut from the previous fiscal year

June 2025

Administration asks Congress to rescind HIV funding

The White House asks lawmakers to rescind nearly $9.4 billion in previously appropriated foreign aid, including $400 million allocated for PEPFAR

July 2025

USAID officially closed

The State Department takes over the agency’s remaining foreign assistance

Lawmakers reject request to rescind PEPFAR funding

Though Congress rescues $400 million already appropriated to the program, lawmakers allow the Trump administration to claw back nearly $8 billion in foreign aid

Samson

Paul

August 2025

Handsome

Mercy

September 2025

State Department releases America First Global Health Strategy

The blueprint severely curtails U.S. support for HIV services, limiting funding to HIV testing and treatment and programs to prevent mothers from transmitting HIV to their newborns

November 2025

Cindy

U.S. officials start negotiating bilateral health compacts

The agreements must adhere to the America First strategy and include funding commitments from partner governments

Kelebogile

December 2025

Kenya signs first bilateral health deal

A Kenyan court suspends parts of the agreement days later over concerns around obligations to share potentially private health data

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