UNAIDS Executive Director Expresses Shock and Disgust at US Cuts Leading to Increased Mortality Rates | Global Development

The head of the global agency fighting against AIDS has expressed her concern that HIV rates will surge and AIDS-related deaths will increase over the next four years as a direct result of significant cuts in US aid spending. According to Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, these cuts could lead to an additional 6 million HIV infections and 4 million AIDS-related deaths by 2029 if the funding is permanently terminated. Byanyima, a prominent Ugandan aeronautical engineer and politician, stated that the impact of these cuts has been the worst experience of her life, leaving her devastated and considering resignation. However, she remains committed to addressing this crisis by taking action to mitigate the effects of the funding reduction.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/jul/04/us-aid-cuts-kill-millions-unaids-head-winnie-byanyima