US Cuts to HIV Funding Threaten Over 500,000 Lives in South Africa

The Trump administration's termination of USAID and PEPFAR programs disrupts decades of progress in fighting HIV/AIDS across Africa.

The US government has permanently ended funding for HIV/AIDS programs through USAID and PEPFAR, affecting multiple African nations, including South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
South Africa, home to 7.8 million HIV-positive individuals, faces projections of over 500,000 additional deaths and 500,000 new infections over the next decade due to the funding cuts.
PEPFAR, which has accounted for 17% of South Africa's HIV response budget, previously supported antiretroviral treatment for 5.5 million people and vital prevention programs.
The cuts have halted HIV vaccine trials, disrupted care for vulnerable groups such as orphans, pregnant women, and sex workers, and resulted in widespread job losses across health services.
South African officials and activists are calling for urgent action to fill the funding gap, with President Ramaphosa pledging interventions to maintain essential healthcare services.