The Lancet publishes new commentary from School of Nursing researchers

A new commentary published in The Lancet spotlights the wide-reaching impacts of recent U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding cuts to HIV services in Myanmar.

Led by UCLA School of Nursing Professor Wei-Ti Chen, the correspondence highlights the consequences of the aid withdrawal on communities affected by HIV, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict and natural disaster in Myanmar. 

Co-authored by School of Nursing researcher Chengshi Shiu, and researchers from the Asia Pacific Chemsex Symposium in Thailand, and Juntendo University in Japan, the publication urges reinvestment in health systems across Southeast Asia as well as the need for sustained international support. 

"The abrupt termination of USAID funding in Myanmar has devastated HIV services, disrupting access to antiretroviral treatment, testing, and mental health support - just as the country reels from civil war and a deadly earthquake," said Dr. Chen. "With health systems collapsing and basic survival at risk for millions, urgent global reinvestment is needed to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe."

Read the complete publication in The Lancet