UNAIDS chief urges US to reconsider South Africa HIV funding cut

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision to withdraw HIV/AIDS funding from South Africa, warning that the move could cost lives and reverse progress in the fight against the disease. The U.S. State Department stated the phased drawdown is linked to South Africa's alleged failure to make progress on policy requests, including reducing partnership with Iran and ending Black Economic Empowerment policies. PEPFAR, which has provided about $400 million annually to South Africa, is crucial for prevention programs, testing services, and community outreach, though not for antiretroviral medicines which are government-financed. South Africa has the world's largest HIV-positive population, with over eight million people living with the virus, and UNAIDS warns that the funding cuts could disrupt services and lead to a rebound in infections.