South Africa's Health Ministry has stated that it is prepared for a complete cessation of funding for HIV/AIDS programs under the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), according to a statement from the department.
The ministry noted that it has not received official notification from the US government regarding the termination of funding, despite media reports on the matter.
"This has not come as a surprise, as the ministry has long been working on a self-sufficiency plan to minimize the impact of a potential funding halt," the department emphasized.
In this regard, authorities urged the public not to panic, noting that a transition mechanism has already been developed and is being implemented.
The department acknowledged the significant contribution of PEPFAR to the national HIV/AIDS program, but stressed that vital medicines are predominantly procured through the state budget. According to the ministry, approximately 90% of such drugs are state-funded, with the remaining 10% financed by the Global Fund.
The Health Ministry also reported that PEPFAR programs covered 27 of the country's 52 districts across eight provinces. However, public healthcare facilities continue to operate as usual and remain accessible to patients, including those who previously received care at clinics funded through PEPFAR.
Earlier in June, The New York Times, citing a statement from the US State Department, reported that the country would gradually phase out its support for South African HIV prevention and treatment programs under PEPFAR.
PEPFAR was launched by the US in 2003 and is considered one of the largest international HIV/AIDS programs. Since its inception, more than $130 billion has been allocated to the program. The 2026 budget stood at approximately $6 billion.
According to South African authorities, last year the program supported the work of more than 15,000 healthcare workers and assisted the health system in more than half of the country's districts with high HIV prevalence.