“More than 60 percent of new infections on the continent are among girls and young women”
““This sudden withdrawal of US funding has led [to the closure] of many clinics, laying off of thousands of health workers. These are nurses, doctors, lab technicians, pharmacy workers…it's a lot.”
Focusing on Africa – where the eastern and southern regions bear 53 percent of the global HIV burden – Ms. Byanyima warned that closing drop-in centers for girls and young women without notice would be disastrous. She emphasized that more than 60 percent of new infections on the continent are among girls and young women.
There are currently around 520,000 people living with HIV in the DRC, including 300,000 women and 50,000 children. The epidemic continues to grow, as the number of new infections is almost double the number of deaths linked to the disease.
PEPFAR's expected contribution for the 2025 fiscal year was due to be $105 million, and it aims to provide treatment to half of the population living with HIV in the DRC – some 209,000 people.
“This means that we currently have 440,000 people living with HIV who are on treatment. Thanks to this treatment, they are alive”, said Ms. Kasedde.”