BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentines living with HIV/AIDS and healthcare professionals claim that Milei spending cuts are damaging treatment efforts. They fear that these cuts could lead to fewer condoms and limited tests. As a result, more cases and undetected infections may occur. #MileiSpendingCuts
Milei, a right-wing leader, is pushing for significant austerity measures to reduce the size of the state. These measures aim to address Argentina’s fiscal deficit. As a result, many public sector services, including healthcare, face frozen or capped budgets.
The budget for free HIV/AIDS treatment, a program Argentina pioneered in the region, has dropped 67% in real terms for 2024. The budget is expected to decrease by 46% in 2025, putting pressure on the supply of essential medicines and risking care for thousands.
AIDS, caused by the HIV virus, is a chronic condition. However, with timely treatment, most people with HIV can live normal lives.
“I’ve been taking expired medication since May. Now in October they gave me medication until February, which expired in November,” Claudio Mariani, 59, who was initially diagnosed as HIV positive in 1993, told Reuters.
“In my case, for example, I’m doing the viral load test now but I don’t know when I’ll have the results,” he added.
Official government data shows that approximately 140,000 people are living with HIV in Argentina, with half depending on public treatment. This information comes from the Health Ministry’s latest Epidemiological Bulletin.
The government has not responded to requests for comment on the issue.
The Huésped Foundation, which ensures HIV/AIDS care, stated that over 9,000 people will face treatment interruptions in 2025. This will be a direct result of the spending cuts. #MileiSpendingCuts
The draft budget proposes an increase in spending on the “Program 22” free HIV treatment service, from 21 billion to 23 billion pesos. However, inflation likely exceeding 100% will result in a significant real-terms spending cut.
The Impact of Milei’s Spending Cuts on HIV/AIDS Treatment and Public Health
As Milei spending cuts take effect, the budget for HIV/AIDS treatment faces significant reductions. These cuts are particularly worrying for public healthcare programs, which support many low-income individuals. Without proper funding, essential services like condom distribution and early detection tests could be limited, resulting in more cases.
