South Africans fear spike in HIV infections as US aid cuts bite

July 10, 2025

USAID-funded HIV clinics across South Africa have closed following President Trump's cuts to foreign aid earlier this year, leaving thousands of HIV-positive patients like Gugu uncertain about their medication access. The UNAids report released Thursday warns that the substantial progress made in fighting HIV/AIDS—including a 40% reduction in new infections since 2010 and 26 million lives saved—risks being reversed due to funding cuts from multiple donors. South Africa, with approximately 7.

Who is affected

HIV-positive patients in South Africa, particularly sex workers
7.7 million people living with HIV in South Africa
Researchers working on HIV vaccines and treatments across eight African countries
Healthcare facilities that relied on USAID funding
Future generations at risk of higher HIV infection rates
Universities and research institutions that lost funding

What action is being taken

Some patients like Gugu are receiving bulk medication supplies before clinic closures
HIV-positive individuals are attempting to register at public hospitals for continued care
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust are each donating 100 million rand
South Africa's government is making 400 million rand available over the next three years
Some scientists are seeking alternative funding to continue their vaccine research
Universities are requesting a 4.6 billion rand government bailout

Why it matters

Progress in fighting HIV/AIDS could be reversed, potentially causing an extra six million HIV infections and four million AIDS-related deaths by 2029
Public hospitals may not provide the same level of care, with issues of long wait times and staff insensitivity
Many patients might default on their medication due to accessibility challenges
Critical research on HIV vaccines and treatments has been disrupted
South Africa's leadership role in global HIV research is threatened
Surveillance infrastructure for monitoring viruses, including new ones, is being weakened
Successful initiatives that led to a 66% decrease in AIDS-related deaths since 2010 in South Africa are at risk

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC