Govt working to close gap left by USAID funding withdrawal: Mashatile

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the South African government is doing everything possible to close the gap created by the USAID funding withdrawal.

Mashatile says this has had a severe impact on the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the country.

About 8 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.

To empower communities and redefine priorities for HIV/AIDS, our strategies must prioritise giving power and resources to those who are most affected.

This means moving away from a top-down, clinic-centred approach and towards one that is community-owned and driven.

This… pic.twitter.com/5HLmVzS4km

— Paul Mashatile (@PMashatile) September 8, 2025

The US HIV/AIDS funding withdrawal has led to scores of job losses particularly those attached to numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the 12th South Africa AIDS Conference in Kempton Park in Ekurhuleni, Mashatile says the PEPFAR funding withdrawal will not collapse the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge.

“Let me reiterate that as government, we acknowledge the impact of US funding cuts. Even so our government is diligently working to preserve our achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS. While these accomplishments may momentarily jeorpadise our achievements; we will prevail,” says Mashatile.

Ladies and gentlemen, the year 2025 also marks the Mid-Term Review of the National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs for the period 2023 to 2028.

SANAC is consolidating reports and data from various sources and implementers to establish how the country has performed in the… pic.twitter.com/3xi30QunqE

— Paul Mashatile (@PMashatile) September 8, 2025