```html Charlize Theron Voices Dire Concerns Over Foreign Aid Cuts: 'Millions of People Are Going to Die' Charlize Theron issued a passionate plea against cuts to foreign aid at the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Program (CTAOP) Block Party in Los Angeles on Saturday night, warning of potentially catastrophic consequences. The Oscar-winning actress spoke candidly about the impact of these cuts, particularly on HIV and AIDS programs in her native South Africa.

Theron's Stark Warning at CTAOP Fundraiser "The world feels like it's burning because it is," Theron stated during the fifth annual CTAOP Block Party, held on the Universal Studios lot. She highlighted a range of pressing issues, including immigration policy, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender-based violence, emphasizing the personal impact of these challenges. "Foreign aid cuts brought HIV and AIDS programs in my home country of South Africa to an absolute standstill...People will lose their lives. Many have already unfortunately and at a frightening rate. It's absolutely heartbreaking to see this kind of unnecessary suffering."

While Theron did not explicitly name former President Trump, his administration's policy of reducing foreign aid was a clear target of her criticism. The CTAOP, which Theron founded 18 years ago, supports young people in South Africa. The program has reached over 4.5 million youth and granted $15 million to organizations in southern Africa.

Expert Analysis: The Ripple Effect of Aid Reduction Dr. Fatima Hassan, a leading public health expert specializing in access to medicines and healthcare in Africa, spoke to Variety about the potential ramifications of decreased foreign aid. "Cuts to programs like PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) can have a devastating ripple effect," she explained. "These programs not only provide life-saving treatment but also support crucial infrastructure for healthcare delivery, including training healthcare workers and strengthening supply chains. Weakening these systems disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and can reverse years of progress in combating HIV/AIDS."

Hollywood's History of Advocacy Theron's outspoken stance aligns with a long tradition of celebrity activism in Hollywood. From Marlon Brando's support of Native American rights to George Clooney's advocacy for Darfur, actors have often used their platforms to raise awareness and influence policy. This commitment reflects a growing awareness within the entertainment industry of its potential to effect social change.

The Importance of Resistance and Hope Despite her grave concerns, Theron expressed a sense of hope and the importance of resistance. "What we also see, what we cannot miss, is the resistance," she said. "There is hope, there is power in all of us standing up, organizing, protesting, voting and caring for each other, and refusing to accept that this is the new normal." She emphasized that the core principle of CTAOP is that all lives should be valued and that everyone deserves the right to be healthy, safe, and seen.

Lobbying Efforts and Continued Advocacy Theron revealed that she actively engages in lobbying efforts with elected officials. "We do it quite a bit," she said, adding, "I will say there are a lot of people who do pick up the phone and are willing to listen and are on our side of understanding." The CTAOP Block Party also featured a live auction of luxury products and experiences and a performance by Reneé Rapp, further supporting the organization's mission.

Context: Foreign Aid in the US Budget Foreign aid typically constitutes a small percentage of the United States federal budget. According to the Congressional Budget Office, it generally accounts for less than 1% of federal spending. However, these funds are often crucial for supporting global health initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and economic development in developing countries. Cuts to these programs can have significant and far-reaching consequences, as highlighted by Theron and Dr. Hassan.

The Road Ahead Theron's impassioned remarks serve as a stark reminder of the potential impact of policy decisions on vulnerable populations worldwide. Her continued advocacy, coupled with the efforts of organizations like CTAOP, aims to ensure that these issues remain at the forefront of public discourse and that efforts to support global health and well-being are sustained. ```