Immediate Risks and Disruptions

• Funding Cuts: The impact of US Government funding cuts was felt immediately, leading to a shortage of staff in many clinics, which affected patient care.
• Service Delivery: While activities funded through the Global Fund have not been suspended, service delivery has been impacted as clinics absorb clients who can no longer receive care in affected clinics.
• HIV Prevention Programs: There are serious concerns about gaps in HIV prevention programs for key populations, with an increased risk of loss to follow-up, especially in harder-to-reach communities. The National Program and partners have emphasized the critical role of community outreach workers in facilitating and maintaining access to services for key populations. 

Politically Relevant Updates

• Government Response: Advocacy efforts led by UNAIDS, in coordination with the Global Fund and local organizations, resulted in the Guatemalan government assuming some financial responsibility for personnel previously funded by USAID. The Ministry of Health has absorbed a considerable proportion of the staff positions left vacant in the UAIs (clinics providing care for people living with HIV).
• Sustainability Strategy: Progress towards developing a sustainable HIV response is underway; there is a draft National Sustainability Strategy 2024-28. However, the transition to a fully sustainable model will require continued leadership and technical support from UNAIDS, especially as the Global Fund phases out.

Communication Story Highlighting Impact

• Community Resilience: Despite the US funding cuts, some community service delivery models have continued providing services. For example, a community-run clinic has absorbed a significant number of patients for PrEP services. With support from UNAIDS, they diversified their funding sources and adopted a voluntary financial contribution model, enhancing sustainability.
• Advocacy and Support: UNAIDS in collaboration with the Global Fund is spearheading efforts to strengthen civil society organizations' capacity to advocate for domestic resources. They are also laying the groundwork for social contracting for HIV in Guatemala.