HIV/Aids fight presses on despite US funding withdrawal

By Johnathan Paoli

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has dismissed claims that South Africa’s HIV/AIDS campaign is collapsing following the withdrawal of US funding, asserting that the national programme remains active, robust, and community focused.

Speaking at a press briefing in Pretoria, Motsoaledi acknowledged the impact of the US government’s decision to end its President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contributions, but said his department has mobilised alternative resources and partnerships to avoid disruption.

“When we started this programme, we needed R5.3 billion. Today, we are spending R46.8 billion, of which R7.9 billion came from PEPFAR,” said Motsoaledi. “While it is unfortunate that these funds are gone, it is inconceivable that this will lead to the collapse of our programme.”

He stressed that HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts were grounded in the country’s villages, townships and public health facilities—not just in donor-funded clinics.

“We’ve moved all 63,322 affected key population