HIV patient testing falls in South Africa after US aid cuts, data shows

Exclusive-HIV patient testing falls in South Africa after US aid cuts, data shows

By Nellie Peyton

HIV Patient Testing Falls in South Africa After US Aid Cuts, Data Shows

Testing and monitoring of HIV patients across South Africa have fallen since the United States cut aid that funded health workers and clinics, with pregnant women, infants and youth the most affected, previously unpublished government data shows.

HIV patient testing plummets after US aid cuts, data shows

Data shows that the number of viral load tests conducted for people aged 15 to 24 fell by 17.2% in April compared to April last year, after dropping 7.8% year-on-year in March. Total population testing was down 11.4% in April.

HIV patient testing falls in South Africa after US aid cuts, data shows

South Africa has the world's highest burden of HIV, with about 8 million people living with the virus.

HIV testing drops in South Africa amid US aid cuts: Reuters

US aid cuts have led to a decline in HIV testing and patient monitoring in South Africa, with pregnant women, infants, and youth among the hardest hit.

HIV activists disrupt Parliament

They are calling for government to take action in response to cuts in US funding for vital services