“Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent,” said Elton John in a statement for the new joint-venture.

The World Food Programme said that the Trump administration had axed funding for life-saving schemes in 14 impoverished countries — despite previously pledging to spare vital aid.

The harm reduction initiative is not funded by the US, but it is now competing for scarce local resources.