New funding for the HIV project implemented by FHI360 – previously supported by U.S. funding - in Mali has been allocated. Once the funds are deployed, the project will be able to resume its activities.

This is significant as the work of associations and NGOs had nearly come to a standstill due to the suspension of U.S. funding. 

Following a report on the impact of the U.S. funding suspension on the community response to HIV, the Malian Government allocated 120 million CFA francs to affected associations to help them continue their activities and mitigate the negative effects of the suspension. This decision was made during a meeting on February 28, organized jointly by the UNAIDS Country Office and the Executive Secretary of the High National Council for the Fight against AIDS.

Despite the reinstatement of funding for the FHI360 project, there are still immediate risks and disruptions to HIV programmes in Mali. The suspension of U.S. funding to PEPFAR has caused disruptions in HIV treatment, testing, and prevention services. This has led to clinic closures and health workers being put on leave, which poses a significant risk to the continuity of HIV services in Mali.