Zuko Komisa

The United States government has terminated USAID funding for HIV programmes in South Africa, impacting critical health services.
Health professionals warn of catastrophic repercussions for vulnerable groups, HIV prevention, and treatment. To date, South Africa has received almost $8 billion (R145 billion), of which $439 million (R8.1 billion) is for the fiscal year 2024–2025.
The action comes after the Trump administration’s worldwide aid freeze. Currently, 44 health programs in South Africa are funded by USAID.
NGOs worldwide received termination letters in the hours following the Trump administration’s announcement that it was reducing funding by almost $60 billion.
HIV organizations in South Africa that are supported by Pepfar and are funded by USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, woke up to letters informing them that their grants had been permanently terminated. The letters inform them that “continuing this program is not in the national interest” and that “your award is not aligned with Agency priorities.”
They announced the termination of their initiatives that performed various humanitarian tasks and offered life-saving aid against hunger and disease.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Founder and Editor and Chief of Bhekisisa, Mia Malan about the impact of the defunding.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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