In a devastating move, former US President Donald Trump's administration has severely gutted AIDS healthcare funding just as a promising new shot is available to combat the spread of HIV. On World AIDS Day, people affected by this cut would do well to remember that the damage caused will be felt for years, if not decades.
When Trump took office on his second term, he issued a stop-work order on all foreign aid and several other orders that jeopardized the health outcomes of minority groups within the US. This move was particularly devastating as it reduced resources for short- and long-term health research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, universities, and community groups in the US and around the world.
The impact has been far-reaching with LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, sex workers, and people living with HIV/AIDS being disproportionately affected. In the US alone, over $125 million in National Institutes of Health grants for LGBTQ-focused health research were canceled due to federal spending cuts. Across the globe, USAID cuts have disrupted life-saving services, forcing community organizations to close.
The effects of these cuts are more economic than medical, with many facing acute crises of employment and financial instability. HIV prevention workers have lost their jobs, leading some to turn to sex work as they cannot find alternative employment. In Uganda, a group called Universal Love Alliance created a free STI clinic at a sex work motel where it gave condoms and lubricants to 200 sex workers.
The loss of these services will be felt for years. A new injectable drug, lenacapavir, which offers six months of protection against HIV transmission, was ready to begin rolling out just as Trump's administration cut funding for global HIV prevention programs. This has put the entire human race at a higher risk for HIV and AIDS.
This devastating move by Trump's administration is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for healthcare access, particularly in marginalized communities. The Intercept will continue to report on this issue, shedding light on those most affected by these cuts and highlighting the importance of preserving healthcare services and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
When Trump took office on his second term, he issued a stop-work order on all foreign aid and several other orders that jeopardized the health outcomes of minority groups within the US. This move was particularly devastating as it reduced resources for short- and long-term health research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, universities, and community groups in the US and around the world.
The impact has been far-reaching with LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, sex workers, and people living with HIV/AIDS being disproportionately affected. In the US alone, over $125 million in National Institutes of Health grants for LGBTQ-focused health research were canceled due to federal spending cuts. Across the globe, USAID cuts have disrupted life-saving services, forcing community organizations to close.
The effects of these cuts are more economic than medical, with many facing acute crises of employment and financial instability. HIV prevention workers have lost their jobs, leading some to turn to sex work as they cannot find alternative employment. In Uganda, a group called Universal Love Alliance created a free STI clinic at a sex work motel where it gave condoms and lubricants to 200 sex workers.
The loss of these services will be felt for years. A new injectable drug, lenacapavir, which offers six months of protection against HIV transmission, was ready to begin rolling out just as Trump's administration cut funding for global HIV prevention programs. This has put the entire human race at a higher risk for HIV and AIDS.
This devastating move by Trump's administration is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for healthcare access, particularly in marginalized communities. The Intercept will continue to report on this issue, shedding light on those most affected by these cuts and highlighting the importance of preserving healthcare services and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
. Like, I'm trying to study for my exams and deal with my own school stress, but then I read about how Trump's admin cut funding for healthcare research and it's just so frustrating 
. I mean, we're literally on the verge of a new HIV prevention shot and they just gutted all that funding? It's like, what even is the point? 
. Community organizations are closing down left and right because of these cuts, which means people who need help aren't getting it 
. And to make matters worse, sex workers are literally losing their jobs and turning to sex work as a result... it's just so messed up 
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. Now, we're seeing devastating effects on vulnerable communities – LGBTQ+ folks, immigrants, sex workers... it's just not right 
. It's economic crises too, people losing jobs & struggling to make ends meet because of these cuts 
. We need to keep pushing for healthcare access & support for those living with HIV/AIDS 
. Can't believe this happened on World AIDS Day 
. We gotta stay vigilant & keep shining a light on these issues 
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u guys can't believe what's happening here... like seriously, a new shot is out to help combat hiv but trump's admin just cut all that funding 
those universal love alliance ppl in uganda tho r doin some great work, but even they had 2 shut down their clinic cuz of the cuts 
what's sad is that this move will have far reaching consequences not just for these communities but for the economy too 
! They're gonna hurt people who need it the most 
. The new shot is all we have right now to stop HIV 
, but they just chopped off its wings 
. What's next? 
Will people with HIV be left out in the cold 
? This move is gonna cause so much harm 
. It's like they want to take away people's healthcare options and make them suffer even more. Newsflash: it's not just about the money, it's about human lives! 
. It's not even like they gave it a chance to take off or anything... the damage is done now.
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. We really need to keep pushing for better healthcare access and support for marginalized communities 
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i feel bad for those sex workers in uganda they sound like theyre doing some really hard work to help each other out 
. And what about all those HIV prevention programs in Uganda? That free STI clinic was a lifesaver for 200 sex workers! Closing it now is like taking away their only lifeline 
my heart goes out to everyone who's going to be affected by this cut in funding 
we need more funding for healthcare not less 
, I'm sure it had nothing to do with trump's, uh, 'philanthropic' efforts 
. it's always convenient to just slash funding when you're not exactly known for your empathy or understanding of, say, marginalized communities 
.
. All that money was going to support research, community groups, and services that help ppl living with HIV/AIDS 
. Now, ppl are gonna suffer the consequences of this brutal move 
. It's just so frustrating when politicians don't think about the human cost of their decisions...