South African health minister navigating funding shifts amid global HIV response
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has faced renewed scrutiny over the Phala Phala scandal as Parliament is ordered to restart impeachment proceedings. Ramaphosa has rejected resignation and will challenge the process in court, including a judicial review of the 2022 Section 89 panel report that flagged prima facie constitutional concerns.
UNAids warns that funding cuts and tightening civic space threaten progress against HIV. Six-month lenacapavir injections are rolling out in South Africa, with early results showing promise but concerns over access and equity persist as external aid declines.
The United States has begun a phased drawdown of PEPFAR in South Africa, citing policy disagreements and a belief that South Africa can sustain its HIV programs. Pretoria says it will continue treatment with domestic funding, while UN meetings seek clarity on future donor support.