NEW US FUNDING STRENGTHENS AIDS RESPONSE

Thu 16 October 2025:

The United States’ approval of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP) has provided a significant boost to South Africa’s ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.

The plan, worth US$115 million, will fund essential HIV services from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

The decision follows a period of uncertainty earlier this year when the United States froze foreign aid funding, which placed strain on South Africa’s HIV and AIDS response programmes and raised fears of service interruptions.

Before announcing approval, Ntshavheni highlighted that the agreement marked a crucial moment for healthcare continuity. She said the funding would prevent treatment gaps and allow the country to focus on sustaining its progress.

“Cabinet welcomed the approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan (PBP) for South Africa to the value of US$115 million for a period of six months from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026,” Ntshavheni said.

She explained that the initiative would ensure the country’s HIV/AIDS programmes continue without disruption.

“The PBP is meant to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery in South Africa by supporting HIV/AIDS service continuity and prioritising country-specific needs and life-saving impact,” she added.

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Progress Towards an HIV-Free Society

Ntshavheni emphasised that renewed international support must translate into more decisive domestic action.

She said South Africa’s progress towards ending the HIV epidemic depends on ensuring that funding and prevention programmes achieve measurable impact.

“Now, the responsibility is to ensure that government and the international community’s efforts to fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic are not regressed and we can achieve our 0.1% by 2032 with a target of an HIV free society later in that period,” she said.

Introducing a Long-Acting Prevention Drug

The Minister also spoke about a major scientific breakthrough that will strengthen the country’s prevention strategy.

She announced that a new long-acting drug, Lenacapavir, would be introduced in South Africa from March or April 2026.

She said the treatment offers extended protection and will be prioritised for districts most affected by HIV.

“Lenacapavir is a revolutionary long-acting HIV prevention drug that offers protection for six months with just two annual doses. The initial rollout will focus on 23 high-incident districts across six provinces, targeting approximately 360 high-performing public clinics within these areas,” Ntshavheni explained.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here