A halt in US funding for South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programs could lead to more than 500,000 deaths over the next decade.
Linda-Gail Bekker, chief operating officer of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, sounded the alarm after South African organizations were informed that their USAID grants had been revoked.
“We will see lives lost,” Bekker told reporters, emphasizing that modeling studies predict up to half a million new infections as well.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest HIV rates, with 7.8 million people—about 13 percent of the population—living with the virus.
Since 2003, the country has been a major beneficiary of PEPFAR, the US’s flagship HIV/AIDS response program, which has now been frozen due to shifting American priorities.
Organizations receiving USAID funds said they were notified overnight that their grants had been canceled “for convenience and the interest of the U.S. government.”
The abrupt decision has sparked outrage, with activists warning of dire consequences for millions relying on anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment.
“We are anticipating deaths. We can’t afford to die,” said Sibongile Tshabalala, an activist openly living with HIV.
Health Justice Initiative’s Fatima Hassan called the funding halt a “situation of chaos and disaster” that could undo decades of progress.
PEPFAR currently funds about 17 percent of South Africa’s HIV response, ensuring 5.5 million people receive life-saving ARVs.
The South African government has vowed to fill the gap, promising urgent interventions to sustain critical HIV services.
President Cyril Ramaphosa assured the nation that alternative funding sources are being explored to prevent a health crisis.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi urged collective action, saying, “AIDS is not here forever—it is in our hands to end it.”
The UN’s UNAIDS agency praised South Africa’s commitment, pledging to work alongside the government to maintain HIV treatment access.
Public health experts warned that immediate solutions are necessary to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.
