The recent elimination of USAID by President Trump has led to a substantial funding deficit for HIV relief programs in Uganda, amounting to a staggering $82 million. This significant cut in aid is expected to have far-reaching consequences for the country's health sector, which has heavily relied on US funding for its HIV programs.

According to a report by Bloomberg, the US aid cut will severely impact Uganda's ability to provide continuous access to therapy, laboratory testing, and vital services for virus management. The Uganda AIDS Commission and AHF Uganda Cares, which depend on the funding, are now facing a significant shortfall in their budgets.

The US has been a major contributor to Uganda's health sector, with USAID spending $32.5 billion in fiscal year 2024. Uganda, in particular, received $417 million in funding, which assisted in the treatment of 1.2 million patients. The country's expenditures on HIV care annually amount to around 1.9 trillion shillings, with donors providing 60% of the financing, primarily through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar).

Vincent Bagambe, Planning Director at the Uganda AIDS Commission, warned that the abrupt financial cuts could threaten the progress gained in lowering new infections and curbing AIDS-related fatalities. "If we do not act swiftly, we risk a crisis where thousands of people living with HIV may not receive their medication, increasing chances of drug resistance and new infections," he said.

The situation is particularly concerning given that Uganda has around 1.5 million people living with HIV, with a 5.1% prevalence rate. The country is now at a critical juncture, and the funding deficit could have devastating consequences for its HIV relief efforts.

This is not an isolated incident, as other African countries are also feeling the impact of US aid cuts. Ghana, for instance, is scrambling to cover a $156 million shortfall after the US aid freeze. The Norwegian Refugee Council has also announced plans to suspend US-funded aid programs in Africa and other regions.

The implications of these aid cuts are far-reaching, and it remains to be seen how Uganda and other affected countries will respond to this significant funding shortfall. One thing is clear, however: the consequences of these cuts will be felt for years to come, and it is imperative that alternative funding sources are explored to ensure the continued provision of vital health services.