A legacy bipartisan initiative to combat HIV and AIDS in Africa is collateral damage from President Donald Trump’s directive to halt all U.S. foreign assistance, despite efforts to exempt humanitarian assistance and lifesaving medication from being caught up in the three-month funding freeze.

The US State Department has lifted the ban on HIV aid to SA and other low-income after President Donald Trump issued a directive to halt it in his first week.

In a last-minute move, the Trump administration issues an emergency waiver to ensure millions of people in 55 countries continue receiving life-saving HIV treatment.

On Friday, a memorandum signed by Marco Rubio called for a 90-day cessation of foreign aid. That would likely put on hold the work of PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

Just eight days into his presidency, Donald Trump's executive orders are already impacting South Africa, particularly the crucial USAID programme that supports millions in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Trump’s executive order halts essential foreign aid, potentially leading to a rise in new HIV infections in South Africa.

Trump administration suspends PEPFAR funding, putting HIV/AIDS support for 5.6 million South Africans at risk.

The State Department issued a waiver for lifesaving aid, but HIV clinics remain shut and uncertainty lingers over the future of PEPFAR, which saved 25 million lives.