US HIV funding hit in South Africa

South Africa receives millions of dollars in aid from the US government, primarily for HIV/Aids programmes. On his first day as US president, Donald Trump froze all US foreign aid for 90 days, halting international programmes, causing layoffs and confusion.

According to ForeignAssistance.gov, the US paid out $72-billion in aid in 2023 and $41-billion so far in 2024. Programmes in SA received $545-million in 2023 and $335-million this year, mostly for health-related projects, like the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).

Pepfar was granted a waiver on 1 February to continue ‘urgent life-saving HIV treatment services’. But activities involving family planning, abortions, gender, diversity or inclusion programmes remain excluded.

USAID has managed 85% of this year’s payouts, including $27-million in Pepfar funds. A further $30-million was disbursed to Pepfar projects managed by other US agencies.