• Source:JND
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The Trump government has moved to hold the supply of lifesaving drugs for HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, as well as medical supplies for newborn babies, in countries supported by USAID around the world, Reuters sources reported citing a memo.

It said that the contractors and partners who work with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) began receiving such memos to stop work immediately. The latest action is part of a wider freeze on US support and grants put in place since the 47th US President took office on January 20, while programmes are reviewed.

 The memo covers the firm's work on HIV, malaria and tuberculosis as well as contraception and maternal and child health supplies, one USAID source and one former USAID official told Reuters. "This is catastrophic," said Atul Gawande, former head of global health at USAID who left the agency this month. "Donated drug supplies keeping 20 million people living with HIV alive. That stops today."

 Does India get funds from US for HIV programmes?

Yes, the United States provides funds to India for HIV programs through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID works with the Government of India to support the National AIDS Control Plan (NACP). However, a major of the expenditure has been borne by the Indian government.

As per the recent India HIV Estimations 2023 report, over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India, but, the adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2 per cent and estimated annual new HIV infections are at around 66,400. New annual HIV infections have decreased by 44% since 2010, outperforming the global reduction rate of 39%.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Singh Patel reaffirmed India’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The Minister outlined India’s progress and key strategies in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, including the 5th phase of the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (2021-2026), fully funded by the Government of India.

She also highlighted India’s role as the world’s largest supplier of anti-retroviral drugs. The country currently supplies over 70 per cent of global anti-retroviral medicines, ensuring affordable access for nations in need. "We are proud to contribute to the global fight against HIV/AIDS by making quality treatment accessible worldwide," said the Minister.