UNAIDS' executive director warned that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge.

More than 20 years ago, the U.S. became the leader in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. The Bush administration initiative Pepfar was the largest health commitment made by a nation to combat a single disease.

In an interview with the AP, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima called on the Trump Administration not to cut off funding.

The head of the U.N. AIDS agency said Monday the number of new HIV infections could jump more than six times by 2029 if American support of the biggest AIDS program is dropped, warning that millions of people could die and more resistant strains of the disease could emerge.

The US fund for UNAIDS was given under the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which finances 70% of the overall AIDS response. With this abrupt cut off, it could lead the vulnerable population at more risk of HIV.