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Deputy President Paul Mashatile
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding withdrawal will not collapse the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th South African AIDS Conference in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, on Monday, Mashatile said the South African government is doing everything possible to close the gap created by the withdrawal of USAID funding.
The 12th SA AIDS Conference is hosted under the theme: “Unite for Change – Empower Communities and Redefine Priorities for HIV/AIDS”. This pivotal event brings together leaders, researchers, implementing partners, academics and advocates from South Africa and other countries to address the evolving landscape of combating HIV and its management.
About 8 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
The US funding withdrawal has led to scores of job losses, particularly those attached to numerous NGOs across the country.
He said this has had a severe impact on the fight against the scourge of HIV/AIDS in the country.
“Let me reiterate that, as government, we acknowledge the impact of US funding cuts. Even so, our government is diligently working to preserve our achievements in the fight against HIV/AIDS. While these accomplishments may momentarily jeopardize our achievements, we will prevail,” explains Mashatile.
