The future of testing and prevention programs is even less certain. They are affected not only by dwindling commodities such as rapid test kits but also by new U.S. rules on diversity, equity, and inclusion and reproductive health.
The Chernihiv testing service worked with HIV-vulnerable groups like men who have sex with men and people involved in sex work, who fall into new exclusions. In early April the service restarted on a smaller scale and with a new policy. “Now we don’t highlight the groups that raise concerns,” Moiseyenko said.
Although planned to run until 2026, the service’s funding has resumed only until the end of September. 100% Life has laid off a quarter of its staff from reduced or halted projects.
Over the last two decades, seasoned Ukrainian NGOs have weathered several U.S. policy changes affecting HIV funding priorities, while keeping services running. “It’s important to acknowledge how massive and critical U.S. support has been,” said Klepikov of the Alliance for Public Health.
The reach of the current cuts, however, is unprecedented. The second major donor for HIV and TB response in Ukraine is the Global Fund, an international financing and partnership organization. A third of its financing comes from the U.S. and is unlikely to be replaced from elsewhere, according to Klepikov, who warned this cash may be reallocated to medicines at the cost of prevention.
Meanwhile, WHO’s Ukraine mission is 17 percent U.S.-funded and has already seen a $8 million reduction, said WHO Ukraine representative Jarno Habicht. The mission has cut staffing, training and technical support that had been building Ukraine’s capacity to respond.
