Name: US aid cuts hit South Africa's HIV programmes | BBC News
Uploaded: 2026-02-06T17:02:16.000Z
Duration: 2 min 55 s
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Now it's been one year since the United States announced sweeping cuts to its foreign aid program.

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And one of the major casualties was South Africa, particularly its HIV and AIDS programs.

The country's health minister told the BBC at the time that it was a wake up call.

Now the BBC has spoken to him again, as well as other experts to find out how South Africa has fared and why it's so important for the rest of the world.

The BBC's Africa correspondent, Miani Jones sent this report from Cape Town.

Heading deep into Cape Town's infamous Cape Flats.

These are some of the most dangerous and disadvantaged townships in South Africa.

The area has high rates of HIV, particularly among young people and women.

And many don't want to become another statistic.

In this mobile medical center run by the Desmond Tutu foundation, they can receive preventative medicines like PrEP.

It means they don't have to go to government funded clinics.

It's very important for young people because when you go to the clinics you get people that are your mother's age so you can't open up to them.

So you get young people like same as your age so you can open up and tell them anything, even them, like the way they speak to us.

Young people, like I said, rely on mobile clinics.

They often reach some of South Africa's most vulnerable populations.

And that's why scientists are concerned that aid cuts could lead to a surge in new infections here.

The contribution that South Africa's made, leading researchers say the impact of the US funding cuts are still being felt here.

South Africa continues to be largely cut off.

I often say to people, in order to end the epidemic for the world, we really do need to end the epidemic in South Africa.

If we do not contain it, close it down, shut it down, we stand the huge risk of it continuing.

For decades, South Africa's HIV research industry has benefited immensely from American funding.

The government says it's time to move on from American reliance.

They have adopted the new policy called America First Global Health Policy, which I believe, frankly speaking, no nation on earth that respect itself should accede to.

The government is expected to announce more funding for the fight against HIV in its incoming budget.

It's also working with other donors fill the gap left by the US for communities here and across South Africa.

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US aid cuts hit South Africa's HIV programmes | BBC News

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