US cuts to foreign aid have jeopardized HIV/AIDS treatment and research in South Africa. The closure of USAID-funded clinics left many, like Gugu, facing medication shortages. The UN warns of potential setbacks in the fight against HIV/AIDS due to reduced funding from various donors, potentially leading to millions of new infections and deaths. While some alternative funding has been secured, it falls far short of the need, impacting research and threatening progress towards an HIV vaccine and cure.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.