Trump watch: HIV/AIDS research sent into crisis, growing hostility to mRNA vaccines, and more

South Africa, HIV/AIDS hit hard

HIV/AIDS researchers in South Africa are reeling from the termination or suspension of grants from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Science1 reported that the cuts seem linked to a crackdown on grants with components of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Researchers told Science that grants related to LGBTQ+ health in the US were also terminated. Bhekisisa reported a leaked memo that instructed NIH staff to “hold all awards to entities located in South Africa,” listing it as a “country of concern” alongside China.2

Modelling analysis published in TheLancet HIV3 this week estimated “an additional 4.43 to 10.75 million new HIV infections and 0.77 to 2.93 million HIV related deaths between 2025 and 2030” because of international aid cuts proposed by various countries. France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US provide over 90% of all international HIV funding.

NIH will stop funding climate health research

An internal NIH …