SA’s HIV Response Still Strong Despite R7.9 Billion Funding Loss

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has pushed back against claims that South Africa’s HIV/AIDS response is collapsing, despite a major funding withdrawal by the United States under former President Donald Trump.

Motsoaledi addressed public concerns this week, following the US government’s decision to pull R7.9 billion from the country’s HIV/AIDS funding through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, he insisted the programme remains stable, with the bulk of its R46.8 billion budget still intact.

“It is inconceivable that out of R46.8 billion spent by the country on the HIV/AIDS programme, the withdrawal of R7.9 billion by President Trump will immediately lead to a collapse of the entire programme,” said Motsoaledi.

[WATCH] Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi provides an update on South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme following the withdrawal of U.S. PEPFAR funding. In conversation with SABC anchor Unathi Batyashe, the minister addresses the impact on healthcare services. pic.twitter.com/eDdkbtSSgF

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 15, 2025

Services impacted, but response under way

While some services—such as HIV testing, treatment monitoring, and prevention among pregnant women and youth—have seen disruptions, Motsoaledi said a national strategy has already been rolled out to close the gaps.

The government has introduced weekly provincial performance monitoring, extended outreach with civil society, secured R1 billion in additional funding from the Global Fund, and launched large-scale training for health workers.

Motsoaledi confirmed that antiretroviral treatment supply remains stable, with 90% of it funded domestically. “We have not run out of life-saving medication, and we are not going to,” he said.

Progress made despite funding pressure

The minister highlighted several milestones achieved under the programme: life expectancy has risen from 54.7 years in 2010 to 66.5 years in 2024, maternal deaths have declined, and HIV-positive births have plummeted from 70,000 in 2004 to just 643 in 2025.

He also condemned the spread of misinformation that has caused panic in some communities. “This is not the collapse of a programme. It is a challenge we are navigating,” he said.

Seeking new support

South Africa is now engaging global partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the French Development Agency to supplement its response and ensure the continuity of care for the millions who rely on HIV treatment and prevention services.

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Sourced:African Insider

Picture: Womens Health Gov.