Nairobi, March 4 – A Canadian charity working in Kenya has issued a dire warning as cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under former U.S. President Donald Trump threaten the supply of life-saving HIV medications. The organization, which provides treatment to thousands of HIV-positive patients, fears that the funding reductions could lead to severe health crises.
“People will die if these cuts are not reversed,” a spokesperson for the charity stated, highlighting the critical dependence of many Kenyans on USAID-funded antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. The funding slash has already led to disruptions in medication supply chains, putting vulnerable patients at risk of treatment interruptions.
The Trump administration had previously reduced foreign aid for global health programs, citing a shift toward “America First” policies. However, health experts warn that such measures could have devastating effects in countries like Kenya, where USAID has been a major supporter of HIV/AIDS programs for decades.
Local health workers and international organizations are now urging the U.S. government to restore the funding to prevent a humanitarian crisis. “This is not just about numbers—it’s about real lives being lost,” said a Kenyan health official.
The situation has reignited global debates on the impact of U.S. foreign aid cuts on developing nations. As advocacy groups push for emergency intervention, thousands of HIV patients in Kenya remain uncertain about their future access to life-saving medications.