Trump's Foreign Aid Cut Leaves HIV/AIDS Patients Without Lifesaving Meds

NPR Revisits HIV/AIDS Patients Who Lost Access to Meds After Trump Cut Foreign Aid In a follow-up report, NPR revisited the lives of HIV/AIDS patients in Zambia who were severely impacted by President Donald Trump's decision to cut foreign aid in 2025. The move resulted in many individuals losing access to their daily medications, leading to a surge in illnesses and deaths. A Desperate Situation Five months ago, NPR met with Brian Chiluba, a house painter living with HIV, who was struggling to cope without his medication. "I felt like I was dying," Chiluba recalled in an interview with NPR's Gabrielle Emanuel. "My body was weak, and I couldn't even paint anymore." Without access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), Chiluba's viral load skyrocketed, putting him at risk of developing AIDS-related illnesses. Background and Context In 2025, the Trump administration cut funding for foreign aid programs, including those supporting HIV/AIDS treatment in Zambia. The move was met with widespread criticism from global health experts and human rights organizations. "The decision to cut foreign aid was a devastating blow to people living with HIV," said Dr. Jane Simpkins, a leading expert on global health policy. "It's unconscionable that we would prioritize politics over people's lives." Additional Perspectives Dr. Simpkins emphasized the importance of continued funding for HIV/AIDS treatment programs. "ART is not just a medication; it's a lifeline," she said. "Without access to ART, people living with HIV are at risk of developing severe illnesses and even death." The World Health Organization (WHO) has also highlighted the critical need for sustained funding to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Current Status and Next Developments In recent months, Zambia's government has made efforts to restore some funding for HIV/AIDS treatment programs. However, many patients continue to struggle with accessing their medications. "The situation is still dire," said Chiluba. "I'm just grateful that I was able to get my medication back on track." As the global community continues to grapple with the impact of foreign aid cuts, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the ongoing crisis. Conclusion The Trump administration's decision to cut foreign aid in 2025 had far-reaching consequences for HIV/AIDS patients in Zambia. While some progress has been made in restoring funding, much work remains to be done to ensure that those living with HIV have access to life-saving medications. As Dr. Simpkins noted, "This is not just a humanitarian crisis; it's a global health emergency." *Reporting by Npr.*