SOUTH Africa’s HIV and Aids fight could face serious challenges after the United States suspended some of its funding for HIV and tuberculosis programmes in Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday.
Speaking to lawmakers in Cape Town, Ramaphosa acknowledged the potential impact of the decision, noting that US funding covered about 17 percent of South Africa’s HIV response budget.
“We are concerned about the potential impact of the decision by the United States government to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries for 90 days,” he said.
“This funding accounts for about 17 percent of our country’s HIV spend.”
Ramaphosa however emphasised the government’s ability to sustain the response despite the funding cut.
“We have been able to provide funding from our fiscus for our HIV and TB programmes over the years,” he said.
“We are looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services.”
South Africa, home to the world’s largest HIV epidemic, has made progress in fighting the disease.
“By the end of March 2024, 96 percent of people living with HIV knew their status, 79 percent of these were on antiretroviral treatment and 94 percent of those on treatment were virally suppressed,” Ramaphosa said.
“To ensure that we reach our target of 95-95-95, we will this year launch a massive campaign to look for an additional 1.1 million people who are not on treatment.”
Health experts and advocacy groups have warned that the US decision could disrupt HIV treatment programmes and hinder progress made over the years.
Some have called on the South African government to increase domestic funding and explore alternative sources of international support.
“We cannot afford to let this decision set us back,” Ramaphosa said.
“We will do whatever it takes to sustain and strengthen our response to HIV and TB.”
The funding freeze comes as South Africa advances its National Health Insurance (NHI) programme, a reform designed to improve healthcare access and reduce inequalities.
“We want a nation in which there is quality healthcare for all,” Ramaphosa said.
“This year, we will proceed with the preparatory work for the establishment of the NHI.”
The president outlined key measures to improve the public healthcare system, including infrastructure projects.
“A vital part of this is the modernisation, improvement and maintenance of existing health facilities and construction of new hospitals and clinics,” he said.
“A number of hospitals are under construction or undergoing revitalisation.” – Staff Reporter