Calls for Immediate Reinstatement of PEPFAR Funding

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA), as part of South Africa’s Government of National Unity, calls on the United States government to urgently restore PEPFAR funding for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. The immediate cessation of PEPFAR funding has resulted in the sudden suspension of critical health support services at NGO’s across the nation, on which millions of vulnerable South Africans rely.

In 2024, South Africa benefited from $453 million in direct funding, with roughly $439 million allocated for 2025. This funding is critical to sustain life-saving treatment for South Africans, as well as support services for babies and orphans.

According to Statistics South Africa, in 2024, the estimated national HIV prevalence rate was 12.7%, with around 8 million people living with the virus. Among adults aged 15–49 years, an estimated 16.7% of the population is HIV positive. Close to 6 million South Africans currently rely on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for survival.

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in districts they support, approximately 57% of tuberculosis (TB) patients are also HIV positive, with 90% receiving ART alongside TB treatment.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has played a transformative role in South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS since 2003, saving millions of lives and bolstering the country’s public health infrastructure.

Once the global epicentre of the HIV/AIDS crisis, South Africa has received roughly $8 billion in PEPFAR funding over the past two decades.

By funding global health programmes such PEPFAR, America is made stronger and more resilient to cross-border health threats and the economic and political instability that arises from global health pandemics, which impact US citizens and government workers.

Through the generosity of the American government, millions of lives have been saved, which has contributed significantly towards strengthening our bilateral relationship, building a strong strategic alliance, and shoring up public goodwill.

The DA urges the US government to recognise that every dollar spent on global health initiatives, such as PEPFAR, directly strengthens international security, and bolsters America’s global influence. A sudden cessation of this magnitude may ultimately compromise US national interests in the region.

Given the critical nature of this life saving treatment, both government departments and non-profit organisations dependant on PEPFAR and related USAID funding across South Africa need more time to prepare for any potential phase-out of long-standing HIV/AIDS resourcing.

We call upon the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, and relevant policymakers to swiftly reinstate funding whilst a broader programmatic review is underway, and allow the recommencement of life-saving HIV/AIDS care in South Africa.

Millions of lives are at stake.

Regards

Emma Louise Powell MP
DA Spokesperson on International Relations & Cooperation