Africa Check has rubbished Gareth Cliff's claims on how much the US contributes to SA's HIV/Aids programmes.
Image: Instagram
Africa Check has rubbished Gareth Cliff's claims that 100% of South Africa's HIV/Aids funding comes from the US
Cliff shared the post in response to US President Donald Trump's decision to halt USAID funding to SA, which impacts the country's HIV/Aids support programmes.
Despite Cliff deleting the post, it was screenshot and widely shared on social media, with many condemning his assertion.
According to Africa Check, the SA government is actually the largest funder.
Africa Check said the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, also known as Pepfar, is the second largest funder, followed by the Global Fund.
"Pepfar directly contributed around 24% of South African HIV/Aids funding. Additional USAID funding indirectly contributed to this budget through initiatives like the Global Fund, but these had other funding sources as well. The majority of HIV/Aids funding, over 70%, has been provided by SA’s own government," Africa Check stated.
During his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he was concerned by Trump's decision to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries.
Ramaphosa noted that the US remains a key strategic political and trade partner for SA.
"With the exception of Pepfar Aid, which constitutes 17% of South Africa’s HIV/Aids programme, there is no other significant funding that is provided by the US in SA," he said.
He added that government is looking at various interventions to address the immediate needs and ensure the continuity of essential services.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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