Trump administration halts global supply of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis drugs

In various memos circulated to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Trump administration has demanded contractors and partners to immediately stop work in supplying lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis to countries supported by the agency.

USAID and its contractors fund programs across the globe that help millions of individuals in the fight against diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, particularly in low-income nations. In 2023, the US provided USD$72 billion in aid around the world, and 42% of all global humanitarian aid. The funds provide assistance in clean water access and overall healthcare infrastructure. US Consulting firm Chemonics received one such memo, demanding the firm’s work in providing medical aid and contraception and maternal health supplies to stop.

Former head of global health at USAID Atul Gawande commented, “This is catastrophic. Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people living with HIV alive – that stops today.” Not only will millions of individuals be prevented from receiving life-saving treatments, Gawande also warned against potential transmission and emergence of drug-resistant strains of viruses like HIV. Other partners of USAID have also received notices to halt work, many of whom are now unable to deliver medicines to clinic despite being in stock, or even open clinics that are funded by the US.

Just hours taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump ordered a 90-day pause on foreign aid to review policy priorities, putting between 57–60 senior career individuals on leave at USAID. This foreign aid includes work encompassing 6.5 million orphans and vulnerable children living with HIV in 23 countries, and the career officials affected include those working in water security, children’s education, and digital technology transformation.

In an interview with The Guardian, former USAID China policy lead Francisco Bencosme stated “This decision undermines our national security and emboldens our adversaries. Instead of focusing on China, North Korea, or Russia, the Trump administration is going after public servants who have served multiple administrations – including the first Trump administration.”

President of Refugees International and former USAID official Jeremy Konyndyk also commented that “If this is not reversed, it will wreck US foreign aid…it would permanently weaken USAID.”

Sources

1. Trumper order set to halt supply of HIV, malaria drugs to poor countries, sources say [Accessed January 29, 2025] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/trump-order-set-halt-supply-hiv-malaria-drugs-poor-countries-sources-say-2025-01-28/

2. Trump administration puts about 60 USAid officials on leave after aid freeze [Accessed January 29, 2025] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/27/trump-usaid-workers-on-leave-aid-freeze