U.S. Funding Cuts Jeopardize South Africa's HIV Response
The 26th International AIDS Conference in Brazil highlighted the severe impact of U.S. funding cuts on global HIV efforts, particularly in South Africa. The withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, expected to end in March next year, threatens the world's largest HIV treatment program. Over 8,000 community health workers in South Africa have been retrenched since the funding cuts began in 2025. These cuts have disrupted essential services such as community outreach, viral load testing, and HIV prevention. Global health leaders warn that without urgent action, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths could rise after years of decline. The conference emphasized the need for sustainable domestic financing and strong health systems to continue providing care to millions living with HIV. 
