18/03/2026
This is honestly heartbreaking. 💔
Reports from The New York Times indicate that the U.S. is considering linking continued HIV/AIDS support to negotiations around Zambia’s mineral sector. This includes funding through PEPFAR, which supports millions of people with treatment, prevention and care in Zambia.
Zambia has not fully agreed to the terms and has raised concerns about protecting its national interests. That part matters.
But what also matters is this: HIV treatment is not optional. It’s a continuous, life-sustaining need. Any disruption whether temporary or permanenthas real consequences for real people.
Linking public health support to unrelated negotiations raises serious ethical questions. Access to treatment should be stable, predictable, and protected from political or economic pressure.
This goes beyond policy. It’s about how far governments should go when human lives are involved.
