NPR reports from South Africa on the impact of U.S. foreign aid cuts on HIV/AIDS programs.
- The Trump administration's sharp cuts to foreign aid have created uncertainty for PEPFAR, a program that has saved an estimated 26 million lives since 2003. - In Soweto, activist Lucky Mazibuko recalls the pre-PEPFAR era as a time of hopelessness, with hospitals overwhelmed and stigma rampant.
- Public health workers in South Africa and Mozambique report destabilization of long-effective programs, risking loss of life and increased infections. - Despite challenges, workers show resilience, going without pay to maintain trust, using TV shows for education, and offering personalized care after clinic closures.