Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has announced that the United States government has approved a PEPFAR bridge plan for South Africa worth 115 million US dollars, providing critical funding to maintain HIV/AIDS programs in the country.
The funding will cover a six-month period from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026 and is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted HIV service delivery. According to Ntshavheni, the plan will support continuity of HIV services, prioritise country-specific needs, and safeguard life-saving interventions for people living with HIV.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration imposed a 90-day freeze on US foreign assistance, citing a review to align global aid with US interests. The freeze was later expanded to a stop-work order affecting all foreign aid programs, including PEPFAR. This move sparked concern that South Africa’s gains in combating HIV/AIDS could be jeopardised.
“Cabinet welcomes the approval of the PEPFAR bridge plan for South Africa. We express our appreciation to the US government for its commitment to sustaining progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” Ntshavheni said during a briefing on Wednesday following a Cabinet meeting.
PEPFAR — the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s fight against HIV/AIDS, supporting prevention, treatment, and care programs across the country. The bridge plan is particularly significant as it ensures continuity while South Africa and the US finalise longer-term funding arrangements.
Health experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that PEPFAR funding has historically been crucial in reducing new HIV infections, expanding access to antiretroviral treatment, and supporting vulnerable populations. Without the bridge plan, there were fears of service disruptions, including delays in drug delivery and outreach programs.
The approved funding demonstrates the continued partnership between South Africa and the US in addressing one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges. As Ntshavheni emphasised, the bridge plan is not only a financial commitment but a reinforcement of global solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.