The article discusses the U.S.government's decision to end its PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) support to South Africa, which could lead to a complete withdrawal of funding by early 2027.This move has raised alarms among activists and health experts, as PEPFAR has been a critical lifeline for HIV programs in Africa.

The piece highlights the urgent need for African governments to transition to domestic financing, emphasizing the importance of legislative reforms to manage donor transitions legally and sustainably.It also underscores the fragility of global solidarity in HIV funding, noting the U.S.voting against the new political declaration on AIDS at the UN, which marks a significant shift from past collaborative efforts.

The article calls for legal frameworks to ensure continuity of care, ethical reviews of donor exits, and increased domestic investment in health systems.

Despite challenges like debt repayment swallowing health budgets, there is cautious optimism about civil society's role in documenting harm and pushing for policy changes.

The piece concludes by stressing that ending AIDS is a political and legal choice, not just a medical one, with the science to achieve this already in place.