South Africa Built a Medical Research Powerhouse. Trump Cuts Have Demolished It.
The New York TimesTuesday, June 17, 2025 at 4:01:13 AM
South Africa had become a leader in cutting-edge medical research, particularly in HIV and tuberculosis, thanks to years of investment and collaboration. But recent funding cuts by the Trump administration—slashing nearly $50 million in U.S. support—have gutted critical programs, shuttered labs, and left scientists scrambling. The damage threatens not just South Africa’s progress but global health efforts, especially in fighting diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budget lines—it’s about real-world consequences. South Africa’s research was a lifeline for breakthroughs in diseases that still ravage low-income communities worldwide. Losing that capacity doesn’t just set back one country; it weakens the world’s ability to respond to health crises. And with pandemics on everyone’s mind, undermining science cooperation seems like a dangerously shortsighted move.
— Curated via WP Now’s
