The US has begun phasing out its $400 million annual support for South Africa’s HIV programs, affecting adolescent girls and women among other vulnerable groups.

Impact on HIV Programs

The US State Department announced the withdrawal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has supported South Africa’s battle against HIV and AIDS for 20 years, saving over 20 million lives.

The phasing out of most programs is expected to be completed by the end of September, with critical personnel support continuing through March next year.

South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV, with approximately 8 million people, or about 12.7% of its 63 million population.

Reasons for Withdrawal

The US cited South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policies and allegations of genocide against the white minority Afrikaner community as reasons for the withdrawal.

The US also condemned South Africa’s land expropriation laws and its actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

A US State Department spokesperson said the South African government had been informed that PEPFAR would be withdrawn if these issues weren’t addressed.

Effects on Local Communities

Civil society organizations in South Africa warned that the withdrawal of funding would have a dire impact on vulnerable groups, including adolescent girls and women.

The Anova Health Institute said it had discontinued its PEPFAR-funded programs and laid off about 3,000 health workers since last year.

Community delivery of prevention services has been heavily impacted, with priority populations, including children, adolescents, and young people, among the most affected.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.