Can South Africa’s HIV fight survive the US funding pull-out?
South Africa’s HIV programme is the biggest in the world, but now it’s been cut thin, with the loss of billions in US funding. Health economists warn of a surge in new infections and deaths if South Africans forgo their treatment. Could an expensive HIV jab be the answer?
02 July 2025 - 10:00
byAnna-Maria van Niekerk, Mia Malan, Jessica Pitchford, Yolanda Mdzeke, Thatego Mashabela and Justin Barlow
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With some front-line services collapsing and mobile clinics funded by the US fund Pepfar lying idle, it’s feared many of South Africa’s 8-million people living with HIV might forgo their treatment.
The average person with HIV in South Africa is aged 41, which means treatment access isn’t just about survival; it’s about protecting our workforce.
But there’s a promising breakthrough: the US Food & Drug Administration has approved the HIV prevention jab, lenacapavir, and it could be registered in South Africa by early 2026.
Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Health Beat he’ll find the money to buy the jab if donors can’t help. But how much should we pay for it? Find out.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Can South Africa’s HIV fight survive the US funding pull-out?
South Africa’s HIV programme is the biggest in the world, but now it’s been cut thin, with the loss of billions in US funding. Health economists warn of a surge in new infections and deaths if South Africans forgo their treatment. Could an expensive HIV jab be the answer?
South Africa’s HIV programme, once sustained by US support, is at risk. Without replacement funding, South Africa could see a 38% increase in Aids-related deaths by 2028 and up to 150,000 HIV infections.
With some front-line services collapsing and mobile clinics funded by the US fund Pepfar lying idle, it’s feared many of South Africa’s 8-million people living with HIV might forgo their treatment.
The average person with HIV in South Africa is aged 41, which means treatment access isn’t just about survival; it’s about protecting our workforce.
But there’s a promising breakthrough: the US Food & Drug Administration has approved the HIV prevention jab, lenacapavir, and it could be registered in South Africa by early 2026.
Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Health Beat he’ll find the money to buy the jab if donors can’t help. But how much should we pay for it? Find out.
This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for the newsletter.
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