The PozVibe Tribe, a collective of people living with HIV in Ireland, has issued an urgent open letter to President Michael D. Higgins, calling on him to condemn Donald Trump’s reckless decision to terminate USAID and PEPFAR contracts. These cuts threaten to reverse decades of progress in the fight against HIV, placing millions of lives at risk.
In their letter, the PozVibe Tribe highlights the catastrophic consequences of this move. Across the world, clinics are shutting down, people are losing access to life-saving medication, and entire health systems are collapsing.
With 30 million people reliant on daily HIV treatment, 20 million of whom were supported by PEPFAR, Trump’s decision has created a full-scale public health crisis. Vulnerable communities, including sex workers, people who inject drugs, the LGBTQ+ community, pregnant women, and young girls, are being hit hardest.
Ireland has long been a global advocate for justice and human rights, yet its leaders have remained silent. The PozVibe Tribe is urging President Higgins to use every diplomatic channel available to denounce these brutal cuts and defend the fundamental right to healthcare.
“This isn’t just political; it’s a humanitarian catastrophe,” the activists stated. “Ireland has always been a force for justice. Will we now stay silent to avoid economic retaliation?”
“Your voice can rally global support. We urge you to use every diplomatic channel to condemn these brutal cuts and defend the right to health for all. This is a moment for bold leadership. Stand with us. Speak out against this grave injustice,” they concluded.
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On February 11, the PozVibe Tribe also held a protest outside the US Embassy in Dublin, joining forces with activists demanding action against Trump’s foreign aid freeze. Protesters described the cuts as “an absolute catastrophe”, highlighting the devastating impact on HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, nutrition, and education programmes worldwide.
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Trump justified his decision by alleging that USAID was misusing taxpayers’ money. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has announced that HIV/AIDS relief administered through USAID has been halted globally, leaving millions without essential medication.
Speaking at the Dublin protest, Irish activist Robbie Lawlor condemned the lack of response from political leaders: “This isn’t just about HIV. It’s TB, malaria, nutrition, education—lifesaving programmes being wiped out. And yet, we’re hearing nothing from the Irish government, nothing from the European Union.”
The PozVibe Tribe’s open letter is clear: silence is not an option. Ireland must take a stand against this humanitarian crisis before it’s too late.
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