Ukraine’s HIV response at risk amid U.S. aid freeze

Medscape writes about it.

“We’re all trying to understand the scope of this waiver,” said Jirair Ratevosian, a former senior advisor to PEPFAR. He warned that “the foreign aid freeze would still apply to over 50% of the program,” affecting HIV testing, prevention, and care for vulnerable populations.

Ukraine has an estimated 245,000 people living with HIV — the second-highest rate in Europe. The war has worsened the crisis, with new infections rising 20% in Eastern Europe and Central Asia between 2010 and 2023, according to UNAIDS.

Oksana Kyrychok, director of Ukraine’s largest HIV patient group, 100% Life, confirmed that non-treatment programs, including testing and support services, have been suspended. “This will lead to a decrease in patient awareness of HIV treatment and prevention,” she said. The group may have to lay off 25% of its staff.

Andrew Hill, a researcher at the University of Liverpool, criticized the freeze: “There’s a big HIV epidemic in Ukraine, and they are dependent on support.”

Meanwhile, Andriy Klepikov, head of the Alliance for Public Health, said a U.S.-funded mobile health program near the war’s front lines has been halted, leaving communities without access to care.

With few details on the aid freeze, concerns grow over its long-term impact. “People at PEPFAR have a gag order,” Hill said. “The number of people who could die as a result of this is staggering.”