What is the current status of U.S. HIV treatment support?

As of September last year, the U.S. State Department supported HIV treatment for 20.6 million people, with a portion of care being provided by recipient governments.

Why have HIV testing rates dropped?

HIV testing rates have dropped sharply due to funding cutbacks and program interruptions that began in January 2025.

What impact have program interruptions had on PEPFAR?

Program interruptions have led to a 16-month data blackout and a decrease in people receiving antiretroviral therapy and HIV testing through PEPFAR.

Home / Health / US HIV Aid Faces Hurdles: Testing Declines Sharply

US HIV Aid Faces Hurdles: Testing Declines Sharply

18 Apr

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Summary

HIV treatment support reached 20.6 million people by September.
HIV testing rates dropped significantly due to funding cuts.
Program interruptions led to a 16-month data blackout.

US HIV Aid Faces Hurdles: Testing Declines Sharply

The U.S. State Department announced it had supported HIV treatment for 20.6 million individuals as of September last year. This figure includes those receiving care through their own governments, with a portion funded by PEPFAR. Despite this broad support, a significant drop in HIV testing rates has been observed.

This reduction in testing is attributed to funding cutbacks and program interruptions that began in January 2025. AIDS advocates expressed concern over the lack of data from early 2025, calling it an unprecedented 16-month data blackout. The Trump administration's "America First Global Health Strategy" aims to steer recipient countries toward self-reliance for HIV care.