IAS Calls For Uninterrupted Access To HIV Treatment As US Waives Suspension on PEPFAR Aid Temporarily
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The International AIDS Society (IAS) has welcomed the decision to waive the suspension of life-saving humanitarian assistance, including core HIV medication, ensuring that treatment under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) can resume across supported countries.
This comes after a sudden freeze on foreign aid, including PEPFAR funding, imposed by the Trump administration on January 24.
The freeze halted the distribution of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and disrupted treatment for 20.6 million people.
The newly appointed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, issued a temporary waiver on January 28, allowing critical medical aid to continue.
IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn praised the move, stating, “PEPFAR has always been synonymous with saving lives, and this waiver restores in some part, that legacy but called for full restoration of all HIV treatment and prevention services as they are crucial.
While the waiver offers temporary relief, experts stress the need for a long-term solution to ensure uninterrupted HIV services.
Urgent action is now required to reinstate healthcare workers and resume full-scale treatment distribution to affected communities.
