U.S. To Phase Out HIV/AIDS Funding for South Africa Over Genocide Dispute

The United States is phasing out major HIV/AIDS funding for South Africa through PEPFAR, citing Pretoria’s refusal to address the persecution of white Afrikaner farmers.

The Trump administration has described farm attacks, coupled with “Kill the Boer” rhetoric and land expropriation policies, as genocide.

South Africa has strongly dismissed the accusation as false and politically motivated, insisting farm murders are criminal acts, not racially targeted, and that its policies aim to correct apartheid-era inequalities.

South Africa has the world’s largest HIV epidemic, with about 8 million people living with the virus. It previously received roughly $400–456 million annually from PEPFAR, a significant share of its HIV response funding. The drawdown is expected to conclude by early next year.

Health groups warn the cuts could disrupt treatment and prevention services, while South African officials say domestic resources and other donors will cover the gap.

The decision escalates already strained U.S.-South Africa relations, with Washington tying aid to progress on minority rights and governance issues. PEPFAR, launched in 2003, has saved millions of lives globally.

This report was originally produced by Ondo Press News.