South Africa’s relentless battle against HIV/AIDS has received a lifeline with the recent announcement of the US government’s approval of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP).
This plan, amounting to a substantial $115 million, aims to bolster HIV service delivery in South Africa and commenced on October 1, 2025, with a duration of six months until the end of March 2026.
The announcement was made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
This initiative comes after the US government earlier this year had taken the controversial step of freezing global foreign aid funding, casting shadows on previously assured financial support to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa.
“Cabinet welcomed the approval of the PEPFAR Bridge Plan for South Africa,” said Ntshavheni. “This initiative is designed to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery by prioritising country-specific needs and focusing on life-saving impacts.” The Minister emphasised the urgency of maintaining momentum in the fight against the disease, aiming for a target of less than 0.1% prevalence by 2032.
The briefing also provided an update on the eagerly awaited rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug scheduled for release in March or April 2026.
“Lenacapavir will provide six months of protection with just two doses annually,” explained Ntshavheni. The initial rollout will concentrate on 23 high-incidence districts across six provinces, targeting approximately 360 high-performing public clinics.
“This rollout further strengthens our government’s efforts in reducing new HIV infections to below 0.1% by 2032,” she added.
The Minister also addressed the recent discovery of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and other prescription medications at the scene of a tragic bus crash in Makhado, Limpopo—a disaster that claimed the lives of 43 Zimbabwean and Malawian nationals returning home from Gqeberha. The lack of documentation for the medical cargo at the scene has prompted a full-scale investigation into the possibility of pharmaceutical smuggling.
Ntshavheni emphasised the severe implications of using stolen medications, warning that such practices could lead to drug resistance and undermining efforts to achieve an HIV-free region. She also extended condolences to the governments of Zimbabwe and Malawi while wishing a swift recovery to the 48 injured individuals currently receiving treatment in hospitals across the Vhembe District of Limpopo.
“This accident was unnecessary and preventable,” lamented Ntshavheni, calling for increased adherence to road traffic regulations. “All road users, especially those in public transport, must ensure they are using roadworthy vehicles and avoid overloading both passengers and cargo.”
