Distribution of US-backed HIV medications to poorest nations in flux after Trump order slowing foreign aid

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy During a 90-day foreign aid freeze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued exemptions for life-saving humanitarian assistance, but the fate of HIV treatment for the world’s poorest nations remains uncertain. The waiver didn’t explicitly mention the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a global health program that includes HIV treatment, testing and prevention drug distribution across the world, according to the New York Times. Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved a waiver exempting humanitarian assistance after President Donald Trump ordered a freeze on foreign aid — but HIV medications are still in flux. The World Health Organization, which Trump ordered the U.S.’s withdrawal from, called on the Trump administration to “enable additional exemptions to ensure the delivery of lifesaving HIV treatment and care.” The global health body warned of the consequences around the world and in America should PEPFAR funding be frozen: “A funding halt for HIV programs can put people living with HIV at immediate increased risk of illness and death and undermine efforts to prevent transmission in communities and countries.