World AIDS Day: Funding Cuts Threaten Progress Against HIV/AIDS, Especially for Children
Aachen, December 1, 2025 – As the world marks World AIDS Day, the children’s missionary organization ‘Die Sternsinger’ is sounding the alarm over a looming health crisis for children affected by HIV/AIDS, urging renewed commitment to strengthening global health infrastructure.
Dr. Bärbel Breyhan, a health expert with ‘Die Sternsinger’, emphasized the disproportionate impact of reduced international funding on vulnerable children. “HIV and AIDS remain a critical threat to children’s well-being globally, impacting not only their health but also their essential rights to education and protection from exploitation. Children orphaned by AIDS are particularly susceptible to forced labor and other forms of abuse.”
The recent withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the scaling back of USAID programs are creating important obstacles to treatment and prevention efforts. Dr. Breyhan explained, “Approximately two-thirds of all HIV therapies worldwide rely on funding from the USA, impacting nearly 1.4 million children among the 41 million people living with HIV globally.”
Further compounding the problem are cuts to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. While Germany remains a major donor, pledging one billion euros for 2026-2028, this represents a 300 million euro reduction in previous commitments. projections indicate that continued funding shortfalls could lead to four million AIDS-related deaths and nearly seven million new HIV infections by 2029. “These cuts will disproportionately harm women and children, including pregnant women who may no longer have access to vital medication preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV,” warned Dr. breyhan.
‘Die Sternsinger’ currently supports partners in the global South with approximately 900,000 euros dedicated to HIV/AIDS programs. In Togo,such as,Caritas operates four health centers across the dioceses of Dapaong,Kara,Aného,and Sokodé,providing extensive care to around 700 children living with HIV,those orphaned by the disease,or facing social exclusion due to its impact. These centers offer medical treatment, psychological support, and income-generating opportunities for families, enabling children to remain in school and thrive in a more stable environment.
Though, the effects of reduced aid are already being felt on the ground. A partner organization in Togo reports a devastating impact, stating, “we are witnessing tragic consequences – reports of deaths among individuals with HIV due to interrupted treatment and a lack of essential support. These cuts undo years of progress, disrupt vital care, and erode trust in health systems.”
The partner organization implored the international community: “Health transcends borders, and our commitment to preserving life must not be dictated by political considerations.”
(Text: Robert Baumann/Kindermissionswerk) The Star Singers (kw)
