By Michael Gwarisa
Billionaire Elon Musk, who also serves as an advisor to United States President Donald Trump, has hinted at intervening in the ongoing funding crisis affecting global HIV programs—particularly the rollout of Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking once-a-year HIV prevention drug.
Musk made the remarks during a conversation with Bloomberg’s Mitchell Hussein at the Qatar Economic Forum. Hussein raised concerns about the global impact of HIV and AIDS funding cuts, especially the exclusion of critical HIV prevention programs like Lenacapavir from the current U.S. government funding waiver.
The AIDS medication program is continuing. Which programs aren’t being funded? I will fix it right now,” Musk said. “If in fact this is true—that Lenacapavir rollout is not being funded, of which I doubt—then I will fix it.”
Musk’s comments have drawn swift praise from global health advocates. UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, welcomed his remarks and highlighted the critical importance of restoring full support for lifesaving HIV services.
“We are deeply encouraged by the statement from Elon Musk that he will fix the current crisis related to a lack of US Government funding for lifesaving HIV services,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “UNAIDS is tracking daily the impacts of US funding cuts on HIV services for people living with and affected by HIV around the world, and as the data and stories on the UNAIDS website show, these cuts are already causing serious harm.”
Many HIV prevention programs supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) have been stalled due to the pause in funding. Although the U.S. administration issued a limited waiver to allow some services—such as HIV testing and treatment—to continue, implementation has been inconsistent, and the waiver excludes nearly all HIV prevention services except for those targeting pregnant and breastfeeding women.
According to UNAIDS:
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If PEPFAR-funded HIV prevention and treatment programs are permanently discontinued, between 2025 and 2029, the world could see:
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6.6 million additional new HIV infections
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4.2 million more AIDS-related deaths
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Approximately 2,300 new infections and over 600 AIDS-related deaths each day
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Latest UNAIDS data show that in 2023 alone, 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV. Among them were many of the most marginalized and vulnerable, including young women and girls—around 4,000 of whom became infected every week.
Some countries depend on PEPFAR for more than 95% of their HIV funding. While UNAIDS has been assisting countries in transitioning toward self-reliant, nationally funded responses, it emphasizes that such a shift must be methodical to avoid avoidable loss of life.
“Given the critical roles UNAIDS plays in building a sustainable future for the AIDS response, US funding cuts have not only affected our operations but also undermined continued progress to end AIDS,” added Byanyima. “We urge the United States to maintain its leadership in the global AIDS response by restoring full funding for prevention and treatment programs. UNAIDS stands ready to work hand in hand with the US to support sustainable transitions in the coming months and into the future.”
