HIV Funding Cuts & Impact: Global AIDS Response at Risk | US Aid & UNAIDS News
South Africa launched a campaign to set an additional 1.1 million people living with HIV on treatment, officials announced February 25, 2025, as the country grapples with potential setbacks to its HIV response due to cuts in US funding.
The “Closing 1.1 Million HIV Treatment Gap Campaign,” a collaboration between the South African government, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UNAIDS, aims to reach individuals who know their HIV status but are not currently receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi stated the campaign is a “national priority” and pledged to strengthen the healthcare system to ensure access to treatment for all who need it.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns over the impact of reduced financial support from the United States, a key donor to South Africa’s HIV programs. Reports surfaced in February and March of 2025 detailing the effects of US funding cuts on HIV programs, both in South Africa and across East and Southern Africa. A UNAIDS statement from July 2025 acknowledged the challenges, while too encouraging South Africa’s continued leadership in responding to HIV.
Despite these challenges, South Africa is also pioneering new approaches to HIV prevention. In October 2025, the country began rolling out a twice-yearly injection that is almost 100% effective in preventing HIV, a development hailed as a “new frontier” by UNAIDS. Health Minister Motsoaledi has described lenacapavir, the injectable, as a “groundbreaking” tool, though he cautioned about limited initial supply.
The 95-95-95 targets, which the campaign seeks to accelerate progress towards, call for 95% of people living with HIV to be diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed to be on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression. The campaign will focus on bringing services closer to the population and addressing barriers to care, according to Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
UNAIDS has facilitated support from other international partners, including a $3.49 million contribution from the People’s Republic of China announced in November 2025, specifically for HIV prevention efforts in South Africa. The organization has also advocated for the decriminalization of sex work, arguing that criminalization has hindered the AIDS pandemic response.
The launch of the 1.1 million treatment gap campaign follows a comprehensive update on HIV programs in South Africa released in February 2025. Retention in care remains a concern, according to UNAIDS, which noted the passing of former Deputy President David Mabuza in July 2025 and the loss of other champions in the fight against HIV.