Following the 2025 termination of 90% of USAID/PEPFAR projects, R7.9 billion in annual funding was lost, affecting 70% of healthcare facilities and resulting in over 8,000 job losses.
The government increased domestic funding, with the Treasury allocating an extra R753 million and new pledges from the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and others supporting research and emergency operations.
Despite these efforts, staffing shortages, clinic closures, and reduced services persist, especially for vulnerable groups. The crisis has accelerated calls for greater private sector involvement, localisation, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure long-term resilience.
With US aid gone, can South Africa's new solidarity fund close the R7.9 billion gap?
South African corporations cover just 2% of HIV costs. Will they finally step up now?
The US cut aid to 47 African nations. Which global powers are now filling the void?
A new HIV super-drug has arrived, but can a broken health system deliver it?
How will South Africa build a healthcare system immune to foreign political shifts?
Over 8,000 healthcare jobs vanished overnight. Where have these essential workers gone?