Ways to Save Lives on World AIDS Day

In August 2010, a group of 20 New Yorkers traveled to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to volunteer at an orphanage that provides care for over 100 children, many of whom are HIV-positive and orphaned as a consequence of the AIDS epidemic. This poignant experience left a lasting impression on the volunteers and underscored the global fight against a disease that has claimed more than 44 million lives and currently affects over 40 million individuals worldwide. As we reflect on World AIDS Day 2025, it is evident that this battle is not over.

Initial concerns regarding health risks and cultural differences quickly dissipated upon arrival. The children, despite their challenging backgrounds, reached out for connection, showcasing their fundamental needs for love, security, opportunity, and belonging. Among these children were Nkululeko, who was born HIV-positive and rescued from abuse, and Tebogo, who had lost both parents due to AIDS and faced starvation before being saved by a teacher.

The experiences of these children sparked the founding of a nonprofit organization, Loving All Nations, aimed at raising funds for their care. Over the years, many of these children have not only survived but thrived, illustrating the impact of both local support and international aid in combating the disease.

Significant strides in the fight against AIDS have been made, particularly in South Africa, which still has the highest number of individuals living with HIV—over eight million. The U.S. has played a crucial role through programs such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), which has, for over two decades, provided vital resources including testing, treatment, and health infrastructure. However, the progress achieved has faced setbacks due to the U.S. government’s decision to freeze most foreign aid in January 2025, leading to drastic cuts in funding that have critically undermined global health initiatives.

According to the Center for Global Development, around 2.3 million people lost access to lifesaving HIV treatment as a direct result of these funding cuts, with South Africa experiencing the most significant impact. This included a reported reduction of 53% in its healthcare workforce dedicated to HIV/AIDS treatment, while closer to home, the U.S. witnessed extensive cuts in HIV research grants surpassing 0 million.

Experts from UNAIDS warn that continued cuts to PEPFAR could result in an additional 6.6 million new HIV infections and 4.2 million deaths by 2029, compounding the crisis for orphans resulting from the epidemic. In 2024 alone, approximately 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, a stark reminder of the ongoing severity of the epidemic.

Observed on December 1 since 1988, World AIDS Day serves as a call to action against the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis. The theme for this year’s observance, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” emphasizes the urgency of maintaining momentum in the fight against AIDS, even against the backdrop of governmental setbacks and policy changes that limit awareness and funding.

Despite recent challenges, renewed hope is on the horizon. The development and potential availability of a new injectable HIV prevention medication named lenacapavir aims to change the treatment landscape in South Africa. With plans for affordable and locally produced options, this advancement could substantially improve the prevention of new infections and support health initiatives moving forward.

Ultimately, the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. Progress hinges on collective action, urging leaders to reinstate crucial funding and supporting global and local organizations dedicated to combating this epidemic. The gains achieved thus far are significant, but the risk of losing them is equally real. It will require each of us to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring a sustainable response to HIV/AIDS, safeguarding the futures of millions.