U.S. to aid SA HIV control with $1.2bn

The United States’ Global AIDS Coordinator & Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy, Ambassador Deborah L. Birx, M.D, and South Africa’s Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, have announced U.S., through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (U.S. PEPFAR), is investing $1.2bn (more than 16 billion rands) over two years to support SA efforts to reach HIV epidemic control by 2020.

This commitment of U.S. funding includes an HIV Treatment Surge that supports President Ramaphosa’s call to action, in his State of the Nation address, to provide life-saving HIV treatment to two million more South Africans by 2020. 

The Surge plan was developed jointly by Americans and South Africans to accelerate HIV testing, treatment, and retention, especially in the highest burden districts and highest volume health facilities.

The HIV Treatment Surge aims to make it easier for more people to start and stay on treatment by expanding the health workforce, including community health workers; supporting more direct HIV treatment services; facilitating easier access to HIV medicines; and harnessing innovation and technology for greater impact.

Speaking, Birx said, “Controlling the HIV epidemic is not only possible, it’s happening – country by country, community by community - across Africa.  Through the generosity of the American people, we are more committed than ever to ending AIDS in South Africa, so I’m very pleased to announce that the United States, through PEPFAR, will commit more than $1.2bn, or over 16 billion rands, over two years, to help address the largest HIV epidemic in the world.  This includes supporting South Africa’s critical efforts to achieve epidemic control, such as through the rapid acceleration of HIV treatment.”

HIV Treatment Surge strategies are fully aligned with UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, WHO guidelines, and global best practices.  Its goal is to reach epidemic control in South Africa. 

Since 2004, Americans have invested more than 70 billion rands in South Africa through PEPFAR which supports more than 100 South African organizations to provide needed HIV and TB prevention and treatment services. 

PEPFAR programs operate with a focus on transparency, accountability, partnership, and impact – demonstrating effective U.S. foreign assistance.

For more information, visit PEPFAR.gov and https://za.usembassy.gov/our-relationship/pepfar.