US aid freeze disrupts HIV outreach and treatment services in Nepal
Summary
The US government’s halt to USAID-funded programmes has disrupted HIV outreach, prevention and treatment services in Nepal, leaving thousands without pre-exposure prophylaxis and weakening community-based care. Health officials and researchers warn the funding freeze could increase infections, treatment gaps and long-term strain on the health system.
Key Points
- USAID-funded HIV prevention and outreach programmes in Nepal have been suspended, cutting access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, counselling and community-based support for at-risk groups.
- Disruptions to antiretroviral treatment distribution and follow-up care are leaving people living with HIV without consistent access to lifesaving services.
- Researchers warn that the 2025 US foreign aid freeze has hit Nepal’s health system harder than earlier policy changes and exposed its dependence on a single donor.
- Health officials say testing and treatment remain available at state-run facilities, but many NGO-led community services have stopped.
