South Africa has secured $115 million in emergency assistance from the United States to maintain vital HIV/AIDS services disrupted earlier this year by a global aid freeze.
The funding, announced Thursday by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post-Cabinet media briefing, comes through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP). The six-month package will run from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
“The PBP is designed to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery in South Africa by supporting continuity of care, addressing country-specific needs, and achieving life-saving impact,” Ntshavheni said.
Earlier this year, portions of the U.S. foreign aid budget were frozen, raising concerns across Africa that key health programs—including HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention—could face severe disruptions. South Africa, home to one of the world’s largest HIV-positive populations, was among the hardest hit.
The emergency package aims to stabilize essential services such as antiretroviral therapy, HIV testing, and community outreach initiatives. Ntshavheni underscored the importance of sustaining progress toward South Africa’s goal of cutting HIV prevalence to 0.1% by 2032.
“We must not regress. We can achieve an HIV-free society within that period,” she said, urging both government and international partners to safeguard recent gains.
The PEPFAR Bridge Plan is regarded as a crucial support mechanism for South Africa’s health sector, which has long depended on global partnerships to manage the HIV epidemic. Negotiations are expected to continue to establish long-term funding arrangements beyond March 2026.
Source:Africa Publicity
