The United Nations AIDS agency warns HIV/AIDS cases could jump six times and millions could die in Nigeria and other African countries in the next four years after U.S. President Donald Trump cut funding to countries around the world. 

UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima disclosed this in an interview with the Associated Press, during which she said there could be 8.7 million new infections by 2029 if the United States ends its support for the biggest AIDS prevention programme.

“We will see a surge in this disease,” Ms Byanyima said, speaking from Uganda. 

“This will cost lives if the American government doesn’t change its mind and maintain its leadership,” she said, adding that it was not her place to criticise any government’s policy.

This follows Mr Trump’s suspension of foreign aid to all countries for at least 90 days.

Most countries, especially African nations, heavily depend on funds from the U.S. through USAID and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to treat HIV/AIDS and other diseases.

Ms Byanyima said Mr Trump’s decision would undermine the progress made in recent years, with just 1.3 million new cases recorded in 2023, a 60 per cent decline since the virus peaked in 1995. 

She pleaded with the Trump administration not to abruptly cut off funding, which she said has resulted in “panic, fear and confusion” in many of the African countries hardest hit by AIDS.