China Pledges US$3.49 Million to Strengthen HIV Prevention in South Africa
- Karabo Makgato
In a significant demonstration of global solidarity and South-South cooperation, the People’s Republic of China has pledged US$3.49 million (approximately R60 million) to bolster South Africa’s HIV prevention efforts over the next two years. The new partnership, facilitated by UNAIDS through the China Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, will strengthen HIV prevention services for adolescents, young people, and people who inject drugs, groups at the highest risk of HIV infection.
The announcement was made during an official launch event held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria on 20 November 2025, attended by senior government officials, UNAIDS leadership, development partners, and civil society. The day’s proceedings were moderated by SANAC)CEO Dr Thembisile Xulu and Ms. Anne Githuku-Shongwe UNAIDS Regional Director, Eastern and Southern Africa.
South Africa carries the world’s largest HIV burden, with an estimated 8 million people living with the virus. Previously, the country relied on the United States for nearly 17% of its HIV budget over US$400 million annually, before Washington sharply reduced foreign assistance in early 2025.
“We are honoured to deepen our longstanding partnership with South Africa through this grant. China stands firmly with South Africa as it strengthens HIV prevention and treatment programmes,” said the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Wu Peng.
The funding will expand HIV prevention services for 54 000 adolescents and young people in 16 TVET colleges across seven provinces, and support 500 people who inject drugs through harm reduction and opioid agonist therapy programmes in Gauteng.
UNAIDS Executive Director, Ms Winnie Byanyima, emphasised that the partnership responds to a pivotal moment in the global HIV response. “We are at a critical moment. Every week, 1 000 adolescent girls and young women in South Africa acquire HIV. That is not only a biomedical gap, it is a justice gap,” said Ms Byanyima. “This project will save lives and drive the innovations that stop new infections.”
Byanyima highlighted China’s evolution into a global health leader, from its comprehensive “Four Frees and One Care” domestic HIV policy to its role in South-South cooperation through the Global Development Initiative. UNAIDS and China’s International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) signed two landmark memoranda of understanding in 2024, laying the groundwork for expanded global collaboration, including the newly launched South Africa project.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi described the partnership as a meaningful expression of South–South solidarity. “This support is not charity. It is solidarity between partners committed to a shared future,” he said.
“It arrives as funding for prevention interventions continues to shrink, and it strengthens our national resolve to protect the most vulnerable.”
The Minister reiterated South Africa’s commitment to scaling up integrated HIV and TB services, particularly in institutions of higher learning, and advancing harm reduction for people who inject drugs. He emphasised the importance of data-driven implementation, sustainability, and mutual accountability to ensure impact.
China’s contribution marks the first major grant resulting from the UNAIDS–CIDCA MoU signed in 2024. It also reflects China’s growing role as a development partner in the Global South, supporting local production of medicines, sharing innovations, and building capacity.
UNAIDS will support project implementation in collaboration with:
- China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE)
- South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
- Departments of Health; Higher Education and Training; Correctional Services
- UNODC, WHO and Higher Health
This multisectoral partnership aligns with South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs (2023–2028) and the Global Prevention Coalition’s roadmap. China’s investment enhances South Africa’s capacity to prevent new infections, protect vulnerable populations, and accelerate progress toward ending AIDS as a public health threat.