TAC Firmly Denounces U.S. Cuts to Health Funding for South Africa
Johannesburg – The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) strongly criticizes the United States for cutting health funding to South Africa through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The U.S. State Department recently confirmed its total cessation of PEPFAR programs in South Africa.
For over two decades, PEPFAR has played a vital role in supporting South Africa’s fight against HIV and TB, with an investment exceeding $8 billion since 2003.
Collaborating with civil society organizations, community health initiatives, clinics, researchers, and government agencies, PEPFAR funding has been instrumental in saving millions of lives, strengthening health systems, and expanding access to prevention, treatment, care, and support services.
This partnership has been beneficial for both sides, as South Africa has also been a key contributor to developing new technologies and strategies crucial for global health efforts.
“The decision to withdraw this funding at such a critical time, without a proper transition strategy, threatens the considerable progress achieved in the battle against HIV and TB,” cautioned the TAC on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
“South Africa operates the largest HIV treatment program globally, yet millions rely on services that have directly or indirectly received support from PEPFAR.”
The TAC pointed out that community health workers, lay counselors, data capturers, peer educators, key population programs, and community-led monitoring initiatives are already facing severe consequences from funding cuts instituted in 2025.
Through community monitoring efforts at Ritshidze, TAC highlighted the negative effects of the 2025 funding reductions.
Notable examples include:
- 82% of facility managers reported staffing shortages following the reduction of PEPFAR funding.
- 15% of public healthcare users surveyed experienced longer-than-usual waiting times.
- 30% of surveyed public healthcare users stated they were not offered HIV testing during visits to health facilities.
- 28% of respondents indicated that collecting ART took longer due to PEPFAR disruptions.
“These cuts are not mere financial decisions,” TAC asserted.
“They have real implications for those living with HIV, notably adolescent girls and young women; sex workers; people who use drugs (PWUDs); transgender individuals; gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM); migrants; and individuals living in poverty.
“Reduced access to testing, prevention, treatment adherence support, and community outreach will inevitably lead to increased HIV transmission rates, treatment interruptions, preventable illnesses, and unnecessary deaths.”
TAC firmly rejects any idea that the lives and health of individuals with HIV should depend on shifting political priorities or geopolitical tensions. Healthcare access is a fundamental human right.
Global cooperation in tackling health issues is not merely an act of charity; it is a shared obligation rooted in human rights and justice principles.
“We also recognize the reduction in funding across the region at this crucial time in the fight against HIV and TB.
“We stand in solidarity with comrades in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and other affected nations during these trying times.
“We call on the Trump administration to urgently re-evaluate its decisions and collaborate with affected governments, communities, and civil society organizations to mitigate the severe repercussions of the funding withdrawal.”
At the same time, TAC urged the South African government to take immediate action to protect essential HIV and TB services.
“The government must quickly assess the impact of funding losses, mobilize domestic resources as required, and guarantee that no individual is deprived of life-saving healthcare due to donor exits,” stated the TAC.
“This situation highlights the urgent necessity for increased investment in a robust, publicly funded healthcare system capable of maintaining critical services irrespective of fluctuations in international funding.
“We also call on other stakeholders to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding community-based programs and preventing disruptions in treatment and care.
“The HIV epidemic has taught a painful lesson: when political decisions obstruct access to healthcare, people suffer and die.”
TAC warned that South Africa cannot afford to backtrack to the catastrophic losses of the past, where we mourned fallen comrades every weekend.
“The advancements achieved through years of activism, scientific progress, and public funding must not be compromised.”
TAC reaffirmed its solidarity with all affected communities and organizations, vowing to continue mobilizing, organizing, and advocating to protect the rights, health, and lives of individuals living with HIV.
Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi expressed that he was not surprised by the U.S. withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, describing it as a “wake-up call” for South Africa to bolster its healthcare sovereignty and self-sufficiency.
He stressed that although the funding cut is regrettable, the nation must largely depend on its own resources to protect citizens living with HIV/AIDS.