Reporting from Uganda, The Intercept witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of President Trump’s decision to slash foreign aid. As we traveled through the country, we saw how this decision is not only hindering the progress made in the fight against HIV, but also actively contributing to the spread of the virus.
Uganda has been one of the countries hardest hit by the HIV epidemic, with an estimated 1.4 million people living with the virus. However, in recent years, the country has made significant strides in reducing the number of new infections and providing treatment to those living with HIV. This progress has been largely due to the support and funding from foreign aid organizations.
But with the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to foreign aid, these efforts are now in jeopardy. The United States is the largest contributor to global HIV/AIDS programs, providing over $6 billion in funding each year. However, under Trump’s proposed budget, this funding would be reduced by almost $1 billion, with a significant portion of that cut coming from programs in Africa.
In Uganda, this has already had a devastating impact. The country’s largest HIV treatment center, the Infectious Diseases Institute, has been forced to cut back on services and turn away patients due to a lack of funding. This has left many people without access to life-saving medication and care, putting them at risk of developing drug-resistant strains of HIV and spreading the virus to others.
But it’s not just the direct impact of these cuts that is concerning. The Trump administration’s policies and rhetoric around HIV/AIDS are also fueling the spread of the virus in Uganda. The administration’s focus on abstinence-only education and its opposition to contraception and safe sex practices goes against decades of evidence-based approaches to HIV prevention.
In Uganda, where the majority of new HIV infections occur through heterosexual transmission, this approach is particularly dangerous. Without access to comprehensive sex education and contraception, many young people are left vulnerable to the virus. And with the stigma surrounding HIV still prevalent in the country, many are too afraid to seek testing and treatment, further perpetuating the spread of the virus.
The consequences of these policies are already being felt. In 2017, Uganda saw a 7% increase in new HIV infections, reversing the progress made in previous years. And with the lack of funding and support, it’s likely that this trend will continue.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Behind every statistic is a human life, and the Trump administration’s decision to slash foreign aid is putting countless lives at risk. We met with individuals living with HIV who shared their stories of how access to treatment and support has transformed their lives. They spoke of the hope and optimism they felt when they were able to access medication and live healthy, productive lives. But now, with the threat of funding cuts, that hope is fading.
It’s not just about HIV/AIDS either. The cuts to foreign aid will have a ripple effect on other health programs, such as maternal and child health, nutrition, and malaria prevention. These programs are all interconnected and contribute to the overall well-being of a community. By cutting funding to one, we are jeopardizing the progress made in all areas.
The Trump administration’s decision to slash foreign aid is not only short-sighted, but it goes against the values of compassion and global responsibility that the United States has long stood for. It’s a decision that will have far-reaching consequences, not just in Uganda, but in other countries around the world.
But there is still hope. As individuals, we can make a difference by advocating for continued funding for global health programs and supporting organizations that are working on the ground to fight HIV/AIDS. We can also hold our leaders accountable and demand that they prioritize the health and well-being of all people, regardless of their nationality.
In the end, it’s not just about foreign aid or HIV/AIDS. It’s about standing up for what is right and just. It’s about recognizing that we are all connected and that the health of one person affects the health of us all. Let us not turn our backs on those in need, but instead, let us come together and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda and around the world.
