The suspension of US foreign assistance is severely impacting Tajikistan’s ability to combat HIV and other diseases, according to a recent report by UNAIDS.
The United States, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), had been a key funder of Tajikistan’s national HIV programme, providing critical support for prevention, treatment, and data collection efforts.
The Trump administration’s decision to suspend foreign assistance programmes and effectively dismantle USAID as an independent agency has had a “profound impact” on Tajikistan’s HIV response. The loss of funding has disrupted the delivery of essential services, including antiretroviral therapy, prevention campaigns, laboratory services and data collection.
Tajikistan has faced a steady rise in HIV cases over the past two decades, driven in part by the high number of Tajiks working abroad as labour migrants. They often experience limited access to healthcare and are at higher risk of contracting and spreading HIV.
The UNAIDS report described the United States as a “critical partner” in Tajikistan’s efforts to combat HIV, highlighting its role in introducing best practices, integrating HIV services with other healthcare programmes, and supporting regional networks for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
The suspension of US assistance underscores the vulnerability of Tajikistan’s healthcare system and its reliance on international support to address public health challenges. Without alternative funding sources, the country’s ability to contain HIV and other diseases will remain severely compromised.
