The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions

Abstract Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, largely driven by international funding mechanisms such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. These initiatives have been instrumental in expandi...

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Main Author: Christopher Jimu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00410-0
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author Christopher Jimu
author_facet Christopher Jimu
author_sort Christopher Jimu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, largely driven by international funding mechanisms such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. These initiatives have been instrumental in expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), implementing prevention programs, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region disproportionately affected by HIV. Zimbabwe, in particular, has achieved remarkable success in combating the epidemic, recently meeting the UNAIDS 95–95-95 fast-track targets, a testament to sustained international support and national commitment. However, the recent suspension of foreign aid, including funding for HIV programs, threatens to undermine these gains. For Zimbabwe, a prolonged freeze could lead to a resurgence of new infections, an increase in AIDS-related mortality, and further strain on Zimbabwe’s already fragile healthcare system. This commentary examines the potential consequences of the aid suspension on Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS response and explores strategies to mitigate its impact.
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spelling doaj-art-4d55e82f78f942f89e237e1c1347a8ca2025-08-20T02:05:46ZengSpringerJournal of Epidemiology and Global Health2210-60142025-06-011511610.1007/s44197-025-00410-0The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic InterventionsChristopher Jimu0Discipline of Psychology, University of PretoriaAbstract Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, largely driven by international funding mechanisms such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund. These initiatives have been instrumental in expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), implementing prevention programs, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region disproportionately affected by HIV. Zimbabwe, in particular, has achieved remarkable success in combating the epidemic, recently meeting the UNAIDS 95–95-95 fast-track targets, a testament to sustained international support and national commitment. However, the recent suspension of foreign aid, including funding for HIV programs, threatens to undermine these gains. For Zimbabwe, a prolonged freeze could lead to a resurgence of new infections, an increase in AIDS-related mortality, and further strain on Zimbabwe’s already fragile healthcare system. This commentary examines the potential consequences of the aid suspension on Zimbabwe’s HIV and AIDS response and explores strategies to mitigate its impact.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00410-0HIV and AIDSInternational fundingZimbabweUSAIDFreeze
spellingShingle Christopher Jimu
The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health
HIV and AIDS
International funding
Zimbabwe
USAID
Freeze
title The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
title_full The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
title_fullStr The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
title_full_unstemmed The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
title_short The Precarious Future of HIV and AIDS Programs in Zimbabwe Following International Funding Freeze: Impact and Strategic Interventions
title_sort precarious future of hiv and aids programs in zimbabwe following international funding freeze impact and strategic interventions
topic HIV and AIDS
International funding
Zimbabwe
USAID
Freeze
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-025-00410-0
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