HIV: 'time to choose'

CRISIS: FUNDING CUTS MAY UNDO DECADES OF GAINS, INCREASING DEATHS

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Dramatic international funding cuts have thrown the global HIV response into turmoil, the United Nations said on Tuesday, warning that new infections could surge.

The UNAids agency cautioned that, since the United States and others abruptly slashed funding this year, the ecosystem sustaining HIV treatment and prevention in dozens of countries has been "shaken to its core".

"Clinics closed without warning, thousands of health workers faced job losses or lost salaries and lifesaving, testing, treatment and prevention services experienced widespread and continuing disruption," UNAids executive director Winnie Byanyima said in Geneva.

Presenting a new report, she described it as the "most significant setback in decades".