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Trump Cuts PEPFAR Funding in South Africa, UNAIDS Warns

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced a phased President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) drawdown in South Africa because the country missed requests.
UNAIDS director Winnie Byanyima warned the cuts could cost lives and urged Washington to reconsider.
South Africa has about 8 million HIV cases, with PEPFAR funding up to 17 % of its response.
Cuts have already lowered HIV testing 22 % and condom distribution up to 90 % in some high-infection countries.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump announced a phased President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) drawdown in South Africa because the country missed requests.
UNAIDS director Winnie Byanyima warned the cuts could cost lives and urged Washington to reconsider.
South Africa has about 8 million HIV cases, with PEPFAR funding up to 17 % of its response.
Cuts have already lowered HIV testing 22 % and condom distribution up to 90 % in some high-infection countries.