Millions of South Africans require critical HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention services as U.S. foreign aid freezes suddenly at South African clinics. The President of the United States suspended funding for 90 days leading to the disruption of the PEPFAR program which had been operating since 2003 as a critical lifeline for the nation. South Africa’s HIV budget depends on PEPFAR support for 17% of funding to cover ARV treatment for 5.5 million people based on Health Ministry statistics.
The Johannesburg OUT clinic stopped its services and prevented HIV prevention and treatment for 6,000 clients. The HIV project at the University of the Witwatersrand which maintains leadership in sex worker healthcare became obliged to halt its operations. The HIV/AIDS programs in South Africa face severe risk of compromising years-long development as the country currently maintains 8.45 million people with HIV among its 14% population.
Dawie Nel from OUT believes that “the U.S. is a totally unreliable partner” since his clinic currently displays a “temporarily closed” sign. OUT’s director points out that the system maintains unpredictable behavior along with instability. OUT conducts tests daily that discover four to five new HIV cases among its clients who receive STD testing. 
Activists warn of dire consequences. Anele Yawa from Treatment Action Campaign warns that the PEPFAR freeze will make the world and South Africa lose ground in their fight against HIV/AIDS extinction. The withdrawal of support will endanger the well-being of individuals during all stages of preventive care including monitoring and treatment.
The search for replacement programs by clinics threatens the sustainable HIV response of South Africa and places numerous lives in danger.
