The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Trump administration’s decision to pause U.S. foreign aid has severely disrupted the supply of HIV treatments in eight countries, with supplies expected to run out in the coming months.

Among the affected nations, six are in Africa, including Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria.

Haiti and Ukraine are also facing shortages.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned that setbacks in HIV treatment programmes could reverse two decades of progress, potentially leading to over 10 million new HIV infections and three million HIV-related deaths.

The foreign aid freeze, implemented shortly after President Donald Trump took office, has also impacted efforts to combat polio, malaria, and tuberculosis.

Additionally, the WHO-coordinated Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network—comprising over 700 sites worldwide—faces potential shutdown, even as measles cases rise in the United States.

Ghebreyesus urged the U.S. to ensure that any withdrawal of funding is conducted in a structured and humane manner, allowing affected countries time to find alternative financial support.

Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, WHO officials warned that funding shortages could force 80% of WHO-backed healthcare services to shut down.

As of March 4, 167 health facilities had already closed, with more than 220 at risk of shutting down by June unless urgent action is taken.

The U.S. decision to exit the WHO has also forced the agency to implement hiring freezes and budget cuts.

On Monday, the WHO announced a reduction in its emergency operations funding target from $1.2 billion to $872 million for the 2026-2027 budget period