Cape Town – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says US President Donald Trump cannot be blamed for cutting funding to South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programmes, noting the funds belonged to the US.
“We must accept that President Donald Trump has taken away what belongs to his country,” EWN quoted the minister as saying.
He has criticised media outlets, accusing them of spreading false information about how the funding cuts are affecting HIV/AIDS treatment efforts.
Despite fears and a R7.9 billion shortfall caused by the closure of PEPFAR-funded clinics, Motsoaledi assured that the country’s treatment programmes will not collapse.
He confirmed that over 60,000 patient files have been transferred to public healthcare facilities, which are reaching out to affected patients.
[WATCH] Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi provides an update on South Africa’s HIV/AIDS programme following the withdrawal of U.S. PEPFAR funding. In conversation with SABC anchor Unathi Batyashe, the minister addresses the impact on healthcare services. pic.twitter.com/eDdkbtSSgF
— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 15, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
