US ends major HIV aid to South Africa amid funding drawdown

The United States State Department announced that funding for HIV and AIDS programmes in South Africa will be phased out, ending the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contribution of roughly $400 million a year. The decision was linked to accusations that South Africa has failed to protect the white‑minority Afrikaner community and to broader policy disputes, claims the South African government has rejected.

South Africa’s Health Department said it has not received formal notice of the cut but has long been preparing a self‑reliance plan. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and spokesperson Foster Mohale noted that the country already finances about 90 % of antiretroviral medicines, with the remainder coming from partners such as the Global Fund. Mohale stressed that the public should not panic and that the transition plan is under way.

The funding change will be discussed at a United Nations High‑Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York on 22‑23 June, where Motsoaledi is expected to participate. Officials warned that while South Africa’s treatment programme is expected to continue, the loss of US aid could add pressure to the health system.