The United States has announced plans to gradually withdraw funding for HIV/AIDS programmes in South Africa, citing concerns over the country’s treatment of its white Afrikaner minority.
A US State Department official said the decision was influenced by South Africa’s failure to address issues raised by the administration of President Donald Trump regarding the Afrikaner community.
The official also argued that South Africa, classified as a middle-income country, has the financial capacity to independently fund its healthcare programmes.
For years, the US has supported South Africa’s fight against HIV through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), contributing approximately $400 million annually. The programme accounts for nearly 20 per cent of the country’s HIV/AIDS budget.
According to the US government, the phased withdrawal of funding is intended to encourage South Africa to become more self-sufficient in financing its public health initiatives.
Reacting to the development, South Africa’s Department of
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