Dangers Loom as US Funding Cuts Impact HIV Care in South Africa

Fri Jul 11 2025 00:58:47 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Dangers Loom as US Funding Cuts Impact HIV Care in South Africa

South African healthcare faces crisis as US aid reductions threaten HIV treatment access for many, especially vulnerable communities.


Following significant cuts in US funding, South African experts express alarm over the potential resurgence of HIV cases as countless patients lose access to critical treatments. The charity and research sectors brace for setbacks, as local healthcare infrastructure struggles to respond to the overwhelming demand.



In a worrying development for South Africa’s HIV-positive population, cuts in U.S. funding have begun to take a visible toll on treatment accessibility. Gugu, a 54-year-old project coordinator for an NGO, previously relied on medications from a USAID-funded clinic in Johannesburg that has since closed due to funding cuts announced by the Trump administration earlier this year.

Having received a bulk supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medication, Gugu fears impending shortages. She plans to seek treatment at her local public hospital when her stock runs out in September, but this raises concerns for many like her who are hesitant to traverse the challenging landscape of public health facilities.

Gugu emphasizes the repercussions for sex workers who often have limited time due to their profession and have faced stigma and lack of sensitivity at public hospitals. She recounts an unpleasant experience with rude hospital staff and worries that deep-seated prejudices could prevent others from accessing necessary care.

This sentiment echoes a recent UN report that indicates far-reaching effects from a wave of donor funding cuts, threatening to reverse many of the critical advancements recently made in HIV treatment and prevention. Since 2010, there have been significant reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally; however, UNAids warns these achievements are at risk. Should these funding issues persist, additional millions could face new infections by 2029.

UNAids highlights Sub-Saharan Africa, which remains the epicenter of the epidemic, indicating that funding cuts jeopardize the impressive 56% decline in new infection rates in the region. South Africa alone reports around 7.7 million individuals living with HIV, of which 5.9 million are currently on life-saving treatments.

Prof. Lynn Morris of Johannesburg's Wits University voices growing concerns regarding a potential spike in infections and deaths from various diseases if current trends continue. The scenario is alarming as many treatment programs funded by the now-defunct PEPFAR initiative, initiated under former President Bush, are facing shutdowns or drastic reductions.

Without US backing, ongoing research efforts to develop an HIV vaccine and cure have also stalled. Scientists involved in key research initiatives have faced significant funding losses, with one project leader stating that cuts left ongoing clinical trials in limbo.

As researchers scramble for alternative funding, South African health agencies are turning to local and international organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to recover some financial support. However, with a consortium of local universities requesting 4.6 billion rand in relief, the shortfall remains stark – with current pledges only amounting to 600 million rand over three years.

For Gugu, the prospect of a future cure seems more distant with these cuts. She remains resolute in her commitment to help others affected by HIV while longing for a sustainable solution that ensures a healthier future for the next generation. "This isn't just a problem for right now; we have to think about how it's going to affect the next generation of women and young people,” she says.

MORE ON THEME

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:54:52 GMT

**Brazil Ready to Respond to US Tariff Threats Amid Bolsonaro Controversy**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:54:52 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:08:42 GMT

Cuts to US HIV Funding Threaten Lives in South Africa

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:08:42 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:06:27 GMT

**Brazil Prepares for Trade War with US as Trump Threatens Tariffs**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:06:27 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:04:23 GMT

Understanding Liberia: Five Key Facts in Light of Trump's Recent Remarks

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 14:04:23 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:10:38 GMT

Secret Service Takes Action After Trump Assassination Attempt Failures

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:10:38 GMT
Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:09:07 GMT

**Kerry Critiques Democrats on Immigration: A Call for Reform**

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:09:07 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:19:31 GMT

Reevaluating Antidepressant Withdrawal: New Study Challenges Prevailing Warnings

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:19:31 GMT
Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:46:23 GMT

**Moscow Unfazed by Trump's Frustration Over Putin**

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:46:23 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:59:48 GMT

**Flattery Diplomacy: Netanyahu Nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize**

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:59:48 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:22:35 GMT

**Cease-Fire Talks Intensify Amidst Israel-Hamas Conflict**

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 10:22:35 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:57:52 GMT

President Trump's Tariff Revival Pushes BRICS Nations to Forge New Trading Paths

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 21:57:52 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:49:03 GMT

**Trump's New Tariff Hike Looms for Several Nations**

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 20:49:03 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:09:05 GMT

South Africa's Police Minister Under Fire for Alleged Gang Links

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:09:05 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:49:55 GMT

South Africa's Police Minister Faces Serious Allegations of Criminal Connections

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:49:55 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:23:08 GMT

Police Torture Persists in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:23:08 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:21:51 GMT

South African Police Continue Apartheid-Era Torture Methods

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:21:51 GMT
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:34:45 GMT

Tariffs Transforming Global Supply Chains as Companies Adapt to New Realities

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:34:45 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:18:10 GMT

U.S. Funding Cuts in Antarctica Raise Concerns Over Global Competition

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:18:10 GMT
Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:32:28 GMT

**Arthur Ashe: A Legacy of Triumph and Activism in South Africa**

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 07:32:28 GMT
Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:11:20 GMT

Hamas Engages in Consultations Over Gaza Ceasefire Plan Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:11:20 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.