This 25-minute video report examines the impact of Elon Musk's USAID cuts on HIV treatment in Mozambique.

Elon Musk, as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, oversaw sweeping cuts to USAID, including HIV programs in Africa.

How the world’s richest man helped trigger an HIV crisis in one of the world’s poorest countries.

After being appointed head of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, the world's richest man drastically cut foreign aid. He alleged that billions were lost to corruption and wasted on frivolous programs, citing $50m spent on "condoms for Hamas" in Gaza — except he confused the region.

Mozambique's Gaza province, with one of the world's highest HIV rates, relied on USAID for treatment and prevention. Musk's closure of the agency triggered a cascade of effects, endangering millions. Al Jazeera visited the region to document the fallout.

Published On 22 Jul 202622 Jul 2026

USAID has historically been a major funder of HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. Mozambique's Gaza province is particularly vulnerable due to high infection rates. The abrupt halt of funding disrupted supply chains for antiretroviral drugs and prevention services. This crisis highlights the unintended consequences of rapid aid cuts based on misinformation about specific programs.