The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, has stated that merely 17% of the nation's HIV/AIDS initiatives are financed by the Global Fund, assuring that the availability of antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) in the country will remain unaffected. This statement was made in response to concerns arising from the suspension of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) by newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump. Dr. Motsoaledi addressed the media during the Cabinet Lekgotla held yesterday in Pretoria.

DO NOT STOP TAKING YOUR MEDS

The minister said no one must stop taking their ARVs because that could lead to devastating consequences. The minister reiterated that all HIV/AIDS programs will proceed as planned for the time being. "We are buying ARVs on our own; our biggest problem will be the salaries and operational costs. That's what we are trying to look at with treasury. " He also mentioned that over 15,000 people would be impacted by the funding freeze. Motsoaledi explained that 7.8 million South Africans are HIV-positive with 5.5 million on ARVs, with 74% of the antiretroviral supplied by the government and 2% by the private sector, which is medical aid. "The rest comes mostly our fiscus and some other funders; PEPFAR is helping us in 27 districts out of the 52."

NO COMMUNICATION FROM UNITED STATES YET

The minister also said there has not been any official communication received from the US government regarding funding changes. "So far, we have not received a letter from the American government. These funds for the HIV/AIDS programmes come through the National Treasury and they have not received a letter; the Department of Health and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) have also not received a letter. We have tried to contact the US embassy, but we couldn't get them. The NGOs and the clinics that are funded by PEPFAR are the ones which have received letters,' Motsoaledi said.