In a surprising move, Congress protected PEPFAR—the widely praised U.S. program that fights HIV/AIDS globally—from President Trump’s proposed budget cuts. While billions were slashed elsewhere in the spending package, this lifeline for millions survived intact.

Editor’s Note: PEPFAR isn’t just another line item—it’s saved over 25 million lives since 2003. Its survival signals bipartisan recognition that some programs are too critical to gut, even in a budget showdown. For countries relying on this aid, it’s a rare bit of stability amid political turbulence.

Long Beach Congressmember Garcia is pressing RFK Jr. for answers after the Trump administration slashed HIV/AIDS funding. In a formal letter, Garcia demanded documents detailing why these critical health programs were targeted—a move that could impact vulnerable communities relying on that support.

A Trump administration official falsely claimed that PEPFAR—the U.S. global HIV/AIDS program—was funding abortions in Russia. Investigations found no evidence to support the accusation, which critics say was likely an attempt to undermine the program’s reputation.

Zackie Achmat, a veteran South African AIDS activist who fought for widespread access to H.I.V. treatment years ago, is stepping back into the spotlight. He’s sounding the alarm as U.S. aid cuts and sluggish government action threaten to undo hard-won progress, leaving many vulnerable patients at risk.

The US has slashed funding for HIV vaccine research in South Africa, forcing critical projects to shut down. This isn't just a local setback—South Africa has been a powerhouse in global health research, from leading COVID-19 variant tracking to pioneering HIV treatments. The cuts could ripple worldwide, slowing progress against a disease that still claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually.