The National Front for the Health of People with HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis has reported that the new budget for the year 2025 jeopardizes the quality of care and the follow-up of vital treatments for thousands of people. The proposed budget amounts to $23,052,000,000, representing a reduction of 75.72% compared to the approved budget for 2023.
In 2023, Program 22, aimed at these diseases, accounted for 4.8% of the Ministry of Health's budget. However, it is expected that in 2025 this figure will drop to 0.89%, raising concerns among health organizations.
The National Front for the Health of People with HIV, Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis has emphasized the need to expand budget allocations to ensure sufficient resources for the acquisition of life-saving medications and supplies. The 76% cut in the allocation for these diseases raises doubts about the Government's ability to ensure treatments for HIV and Hepatitis.
According to the Front, this cut could lead to an increase in cases, late diagnoses, and higher mortality. Representatives of the organization have expressed their concern about the impact that this budget reduction will have on the lives of thousands of people who depend on these vital treatments. The halt of public purchases in 2024 has already caused shortages of medications and supplies, jeopardizing patients' health.
Organizations have condemned this measure and have urged lawmakers to reject the budget assigned to Program 22. They warn that the lack of resources not only represents a setback in the fight for public health but also endangers the lives of those who depend on the public system to access essential treatments. The current budget proposal is 54.31% lower than that proposed for 2024, which increases concerns about the availability of vital treatments.
