**HIV Treatments Disrupted in Ukraine and Seven Other Countries**
The suspension of foreign aid by U.S. President Donald Trump has caused a problem with HIV treatments being delivered to eight countries, including Ukraine.
These countries are at risk of running out of critical antiretroviral drugs in the coming months. This could undo 20 years of progress in fighting the disease and lead to an increase in new cases and deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Kenya, Haiti, Lesotho, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Ukraine may not have enough HIV treatments.
HIV treatments are important for preventing the virus from becoming AIDS and keeping people with the disease healthy.
**USAID Cuts**
The Trump administration recently announced the termination of 83% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) foreign aid contracts. This has affected various humanitarian efforts, including those in Ukraine.
USAID has provided significant assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began. The cuts will affect Ukrainian organizations and projects that rely on U.S. funding.
**Elon Musk’s Role**
Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is behind efforts to dismantle USAID. This has been met with concerns from health officials and humanitarian organizations.
Musk is currently the world’s richest person.
**Consequences**
The funding suspension poses a significant threat to HIV programs in Ukraine and other countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that this could result in over 10 million additional HIV cases and 3 million related deaths.
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