China, through its Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, has committed US$ 3.49 million to bolster HIV prevention efforts in South Africa over the next two years. A move announced in partnership with UNAIDS during a ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria.
The funding will specifically target young people and individuals who inject drugs – two groups that are especially vulnerable in South Africa’s ongoing HIV response. According to the UNAIDS plan, the program aims to reach 54,000 adolescents enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across seven provinces, as well as 500 people who inject drugs in Gauteng province through harm-reduction services.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the pledge, saying it reinforces “China’s commitment to multilateralism and advancing South-South cooperation … in our pursuit of universal health coverage and the goal of ending AIDS by 2030.”
China’s Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, described the grant as a concrete demonstration of the country’s Global Development Initiative, calling it a step toward “building a global community of health for all.” He added that China is ready to deepen its collaboration with South Africa, including through policy dialogue, technology transfer, capacity-building, and innovative drug-supply support.
On the South African side, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi expressed his appreciation, noting that the donation comes at a critical time – especially as other major global health funders have reduced their contributions.
This move showcases how China is stepping up its role in supporting global health, particularly in the Global South. The donation builds on a 2024 agreement between China’s development agency and UNAIDS, which formalised deeper cooperation on pandemics, health systems, and HIV/AIDS responses.
South Africa has one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, with around 8 million people living with HIV, and faces funding gaps following cuts to international aid. By focusing resources on prevention among youth and high-risk communities, China’s support aligns with Pretoria’s strategy to curb new infections and build more sustainable, locally managed health systems.
Beyond the money, the project raises China’s engagement in health capacity-building, laying a foundation for future cooperation in drug innovation, shared policy, and ongoing technical exchange.
