
AIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to H.I.V. Assistance
AIDS cases are resurging in parts of Zambia, particularly in areas like Mpongwe, following significant cuts to U.S. H.I.V. assistance programs. A year ago, Mpongwe saw one or two advanced H.I.V. cases per month, but now experiences dozens, with patients like Saulo Kasekela and Lewis Chifuta succumbing to advanced H.I.V. disease and opportunistic infections. The Trump administration's decision to upend the flagship global H.I.V. program during its first month in office forced Zambia to scrap crucial interventions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. While the Zambian government scrambled to maintain access to lifesaving medications, other vital aspects of the program were lost. Currently, a pared-down system operates on reduced U.S. support, and Zambia faces a looming April 30 deadline set by the Trump administration. This deadline ties future health funding to Zambia granting the U.S. expanded access to its mineral resources, potentially jeopardizing remaining H.I.V. assistance.



