US to Phase Out HIV Funding in South Africa Amid Policy Dispute

The US State Department has announced a phased drawdown of its PEPFAR support in South Africa, ending an annual contribution of about $400 million by 2025. This aid has helped tackle HIV in a country where more than eight million people live with the virus. Washington linked the decision to South African policies on land reform and minority protections — claims that Pretoria rejects. South Africa’s health ministry says it was not formally notified and has long been preparing a self-reliance plan. It adds that antiretroviral drugs are already funded from its own budget. PEPFAR has covered roughly 20% of the country’s HIV spending, and experts warn that cutting this aid could strain efforts against one of the world’s largest epidemics. Diplomatic tensions have heightened amid disputes over land rights, international court cases, and other political rows.

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