China has pledged $3.49 million to support HIV prevention services in South Africa over the next two years through a new UNAIDS-facilitated partnership, according to Beijing’s ambassador on Thursday.
South Africa, which has the world’s largest population of people living with HIV, previously depended on the United States for about 17% of its HIV budget, more than $400 million annually, before Washington sharply reduced foreign aid earlier this year.
The South African government is now working to fill the funding gap using domestic resources and support from additional partners.
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According to Reuters, the Chinese grant will fund HIV prevention services for young people and people who inject drugs, two groups identified as being at particularly high risk of infection.
“We are honoured to deepen our longstanding partnership with South Africa through this grant to support the country’s HIV response,” Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng said in a statement issued ahead of the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg.
“In addition to this project, we stand ready to assist South Africa in establishing a sustainable HIV/AIDS response system through policy dialogue, innovative drug supply, technology transfer, and capacity building.”
South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi welcomed the funding, noting that it reinforces the country’s ongoing efforts to combat HIV.
The announcement follows a 2024 cooperation agreement between China’s development agency and UNAIDS, the United Nations body leading the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
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Image Credit: The Daily CPEC
