HIV/AIDS remains a significant health challenge across many African nations, with the U.S. providing substantial support through funding via USAID and PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief). This aid helps provide treatment, prevention, and care for those affected by the virus.
However, the Trump administration has decided to halt the shipment of HIV, malaria, tuberculosis medicines, and medical supplies for newborns to countries supported by USAID, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
On Tuesday, USAID contractors and partners were instructed to stop their work immediately as part of a freeze on U.S. aid that began when Trump took office in January. This freeze also includes financial aid for projects such as roads, energy, diversity programs, and other foreign assistance, raising concerns globally. Many African countries, which heavily depend on USAID for healthcare, particularly HIV/AIDS treatment and vaccines, are expected to be significantly impacted.
Here are the top 10 African countries receiving the most HIV/AIDS support from the U.S. in 2024:
- South Africa – $250 million
South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV globally, with 8 million affected, making up 13.1% of the population. The U.S. provides substantial funding for treatment and prevention. - Mozambique – $239 million
Mozambique has one of the highest HIV rates in Africa, with 11.5% of adults aged 15 to 49 infected. The U.S. supports over 800,000 people with antiretroviral treatment (ART). - Nigeria – $220 million
Nigeria ranks third in HIV prevalence. The U.S.-funded Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey helps monitor and control the disease. - Zambia – $215 million
Zambia has an HIV rate of 11.3% among adults. The epidemic has left a significant number of children orphaned, with the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces having the highest infection rates. - Uganda – $194 million
Uganda has seen a rise in new HIV infections, especially among young women. It has the second-highest rate of new HIV infections in Africa. - Kenya – $187 million
Kenya recorded about 53,000 new HIV infections in 2017, with a significant proportion occurring in just nine counties. - Tanzania – $166 million
With 1.7 million people living with HIV in 2019, Tanzania has an infection rate of 4.6%, with young people aged 15-29 particularly at risk. - Zimbabwe – $115 million
Zimbabwe has reduced AIDS-related deaths by 60% since 2010, but the combined effects of HIV and tuberculosis still result in many fatalities. The U.S. supports ART, education, and TB treatment programs. - Malawi – $102 million
Malawi has a high HIV prevalence rate of 10.8%, and the U.S. provides free treatment, education, and care programs for those affected. - Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – $70 million
The DRC was among the first African nations to report HIV cases in the early 1980s, and the U.S. funds treatment, testing, and prevention efforts for those at risk.