PRETORIA – South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi revealed Tuesday that over 15,000 healthcare workers could lose their positions as the United States reviews its Pepfar HIV/AIDS funding program for the country.
The review affects HIV and AIDS programs across 27 high-burden districts in South Africa, where Pepfar currently supports essential medical personnel including nurses, pharmacists, and counselors.
“Out of 271,660 health workers managing HIV and AIDS daily, 256,452 are funded by our own fiscus,” Motsoaledi said during an interview on Newzroom Afrika. He emphasized that South Africa funds 80% of its HIV/AIDS programs independently.
The minister plans to meet with US Embassy officials in South Africa, though final funding decisions will be made in Washington during a 90-day review period.
South Africa receives additional support from the Global Fund, which provides $7 billion every three years to combat HIV, AIDS, TB, and malaria. “South Africa carries the heaviest burden in the world, and that’s why we are getting help,” Motsoaledi said.
The minister suggested that implementing the National Health Insurance system could reduce dependency on foreign aid, noting that South Africa already spends 8.5% of its GDP on healthcare – surpassing BRICS partners like Russia and China.
Motsoaledi stressed that no final decision has been made regarding Pepfar’s future funding. “Nobody knows at the moment,” he said, emphasizing that all programs remain under review during the assessment process.
