HIV testing has fallen across South Africa since the US funding cuts this year. New data shows tests among youth decreased by 17 percent in April. Pregnant women saw the largest drop, with 21 percent fewer tests during the same period. These tests check if the treatment works and if patients can spread the virus to others. The United States previously gave South Africa over $400 million yearly for HIV programs.
President Trump stopped most aid to South Africa through an executive order in February. The money paid for 15,000 health workers who tracked patients and offered testing. These workers helped people continue treatment when they missed appointments. Many NGO clinics also closed because of a lost of funding. South Africa did not depend on US money for medicine but relied on it for staff.
Health experts worry the testing drop signals future problems. They fear that more HIV cases and deaths could follow soon. Some public clinics report fewer nurses available to take blood samples needed for tests. The government says it seeks new donors to fill funding gaps. Local activist Sophy Moatshe says patients often avoid clinics without someone checking on them regularly.
President Trump stopped most aid to South Africa through an executive order in February. The money paid for 15,000 health workers who tracked patients and offered testing. These workers helped people continue treatment when they missed appointments. Many NGO clinics also closed because of a lost of funding. South Africa did not depend on US money for medicine but relied on it for staff.
Health experts worry the testing drop signals future problems. They fear that more HIV cases and deaths could follow soon. Some public clinics report fewer nurses available to take blood samples needed for tests. The government says it seeks new donors to fill funding gaps. Local activist Sophy Moatshe says patients often avoid clinics without someone checking on them regularly.
