US To Phase Out HIV Funding For South Africa Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The United States has announced plans to gradually withdraw funding for HIV and AIDS programmes in South Africa, a move that could place additional pressure on health services supporting millions of people living with the virus.

South Africa has the world’s largest HIV-positive population, with more than eight million people living with HIV. Until 2025, the country received significant support through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which contributed an estimated $400 million annually to its HIV response.

A US State Department official confirmed that a phased drawdown of PEPFAR funding would begin, citing what the administration described as South Africa’s failure to meet certain policy expectations.

According to the official, the decision is aimed at encouraging greater self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign assistance.

“South Africa is a middle-income country and is more than capable of supporting its own health programmes,” the official said.

The funding withdrawal comes amid growing diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria since President Donald Trump returned to office.

Shortly after his inauguration, Trump signed an executive order alleging that some South African policies discriminated against certain groups and contributed to violence against landowners. The South African government has rejected the claims, maintaining that its economic transformation policies are necessary to address inequalities inherited from apartheid.

The White House also cited South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and its diplomatic relations with Iran among the factors influencing its position.

The administration subsequently announced that no additional aid would be provided because of what it described as “unjust and immoral practices.”

Trump has repeatedly alleged that a “white genocide” is taking place in South Africa, claims that have been widely disputed. Nevertheless, the administration established a refugee programme for Afrikaners, descendants of European settlers in southern Africa.

PEPFAR funding, which accounted for roughly 20 per cent of South Africa’s HIV programme budget, had previously been extended temporarily through a bridge arrangement introduced last year.

Responding to reports of the withdrawal, South Africa’s Health Ministry said it had not received formal notification from the US government but stressed that preparations for greater financial independence were already underway.

The ministry also reassured patients that the country’s supply of antiretroviral drugs remains secure, noting that the medication programme is largely funded by the South African government and operates separately from PEPFAR support.

Efforts to improve relations between both countries have struggled in recent years. Tensions were highlighted during a White House meeting between President Trump and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, where disagreements over race and land policies took centre stage.

Relations were further strained after the United States boycotted the G20 summit hosted by South Africa.

While health officials insist critical HIV treatment and prevention services will continue uninterrupted, analysts warn that the withdrawal of American funding could create new challenges for South Africa’s public health system as it seeks to sustain one of the world’s largest HIV programmes.