US Approves $115M PEPFAR Bridge Plan to Support South Africa’s HIV/AIDS Fight

South Africa's campaign against HIV/AIDS has received a significant boost following the United States government's approval of the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP), valued at US$115 million (approximately R2.1 billion). The funding will sustain critical HIV prevention and treatment programmes for six months, from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.

The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday. She said the approval ensures that South Africa's HIV services will continue without disruption, despite earlier global funding challenges.

Ensuring Continuity After US Funding Freeze

Earlier in 2025, the global health community was rattled by the US government's temporary freeze on foreign aid, which jeopardized funding for major HIV programmes in multiple countries, including South Africa — home to the world's largest HIV treatment programme.

In response, the South African National Treasury allocated R750 million in emergency funding to prevent service interruptions while negotiations with the US continued. The approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan now restores a degree of stability to the country's HIV/AIDS response.

"Cabinet welcomed the approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan for South Africa to the value of US$115 million. The plan will ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery and prioritise life-saving interventions," Ntshavheni said.

She thanked the US government for reaffirming its commitment to South Africa's health priorities:

"Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the government of the United States of America on its commitment to supporting and sustaining progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Aiming for an HIV-Free Generation

South Africa remains a global leader in HIV treatment, providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to more than 5.8 million people through its national health system. Ntshavheni said the government is determined to ensure that "gains made over the past two decades are not reversed."

She reaffirmed the goal of reducing new HIV infections to below 0.1% by 2032, and ultimately achieving an HIV-free society. "The responsibility now is to ensure that our collective efforts — both nationally and globally — do not regress," she said.

Introducing Lenacapavir: A New Era in HIV Prevention

In a further development, the Minister confirmed that South Africa is preparing to roll out Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug that requires just two doses a year.

Scheduled for introduction in March or April 2026, the rollout will focus on 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces, targeting approximately 360 public health clinics that have demonstrated high performance in HIV prevention and treatment.

"Lenacapavir is revolutionary — it offers protection for six months with just two annual doses. It will bolster our fight against HIV and AIDS and bring us closer to our 2032 infection-reduction goal," Ntshavheni said.

Concerns Over Smuggled ARVs in Makhado Crash

During the briefing, Ntshavheni also addressed the disturbing discovery of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and prescription medications found at the scene of a deadly bus crash near Makhado, Limpopo, last Sunday. The accident claimed 43 lives, mostly Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals returning home from Gqeberha.

She revealed that investigators found no documentation for the medical cargo, prompting suspicions of pharmaceutical smuggling. Law enforcement agencies have since launched a full-scale investigation.

"The theft and illegal trade of prescription medicines — particularly ARVs — undermines the fight for an HIV-free region," Ntshavheni warned. "People who use stolen medication without medical supervision risk developing resistance, which can severely compromise treatment effectiveness."

Cabinet Sends Condolences and Calls for Safer Roads

Cabinet extended condolences to the governments of Zimbabwe and Malawi and to the families of the victims. Ntshavheni said 48 injured passengers remain hospitalised in various health facilities across Limpopo's Vhembe District.

She condemned the unsafe practices that led to the tragedy. "This accident was unnecessary and preventable if road traffic regulations were adhered to. Cabinet calls on all road users, especially public transport operators, to comply with safety standards, avoid overloading, and ensure vehicles are roadworthy."

Strengthening Global Health Partnerships

The approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan and the upcoming rollout of Lenacapavir mark a pivotal moment in South Africa's public health journey. The developments reaffirm the resilience of its HIV response system — built on strong international partnerships, local expertise, and innovation.

Ntshavheni concluded that the next phase of South Africa's HIV response will focus on prevention, innovation, and inclusivity:

"Together with our global partners, we remain steadfast in building a healthier nation and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and AIDS."