UNAids has warned that the United States’ decision to cut HIV funding to South Africa could cost lives. The agency says the move may weaken programmes that help prevent new HIV infections.
UNAids Executive Director Winnie Byanyima made the warning ahead of a United Nations meeting on HIV. She urged the US government to reconsider the decision. She also called for a planned transition instead of an immediate withdrawal.
South Africa has more than eight million people living with HIV. This is the highest number in the world. The country funds its own HIV treatment programme. However, it relied on US support for many prevention and community health initiatives.
Until 2025, the US provided about $400 million a year through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR. According to UNAids, this funding covered about 17% of South Africa’s HIV response.Byanyima said the funding cuts could reverse years of progress.
She warned that vulnerable communities may lose access to essential services.The US government says the funding withdrawal is linked to concerns about South African policies. South Africa has rejected those claims.
The Health Department says it has been working on plans to reduce dependence on foreign funding and ensure critical HIV services continue.
