The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has assured that funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will remain intact, despite recent foreign aid cuts announced by President Donald Trump. This confirmation came after the Department of International Relations & Cooperation also clarified the situation, ensuring the continuation of vital HIV/AIDS programs.
PEPFAR is a U.S. government initiative that funds HIV treatment, prevention, and support programs globally, with a significant impact in South Africa, one of the countries most affected by the HIV epidemic. The program provides essential services, such as antiretroviral therapy and HIV testing, helping millions of South Africans manage the disease.
In a statement, the embassy confirmed that it had received approval to restart PEPFAR, assuring the public that critical HIV care and treatment services will continue without interruption. For the current year, PEPFAR has committed R79 billion to support HIV programs in South Africa, a crucial investment in the country’s ongoing fight against the epidemic.
However, Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi expressed concerns regarding the funding of operational costs, including salaries, which are partly covered by PEPFAR. He mentioned that the Treasury has asked his department to prepare plans to address any financial shortfall, particularly as PEPFAR funding is under review and could impact HIV and AIDS programs in 27 high-burden districts.
